| Description | This file contains a handwritten script for 'Saltley Gate'. This consists primarily of sheets of surplus printed paper, with the script written on the reverse. There are also a few sheets of 'office flimsy' paper. Apart from the importance of this script in demonstrating the creative development of the show, its survival permits a glimpse of the interests and employment connections of some of Banner's members at this time. Re-used sheets include a flyer from 'Midlands against the Market' in English, Urdu and other community languages. [This campaigned for a no vote in the 1975 referendum on the United Kingdom's continued membership of the European Economic Community.] There is also an advertisement for 'Songs of the Midlands', a collection of songs in the oral tradition. Ironically, the bulk of the re-used paper used for this script consists of unused forms from Windsor Street Gas Works, near to where the industrial action described in the show occurred.
A handwritten cue (Number 13) for musicians is also included.
Also within this file are two sheets of black and white photographic views, depicting street scenes and street furniture [road signs, street name plates, 'bus stops etc] in the Nechells and Saltley area. Details of gas works in the area are also included. These images may form part of the actuality aspects of the production.
In addition to a poster advertising 'The Saltley Gate Show' there is a flyer and newspaper article from the Morning Star [24/03/1976] promoting 'Nine Days and Saltley'. Performed by the Foco Novo Theatre Group, this contrasted the perceived failure of the 1926 General Strike with the labour movement victory in 1972 at Saltley.
The file also contains brochures for the South Wales Miners' Gala day and the Yorkshire Miners' Annual Demonstration and Gala, both in June 1974 and both booklets contain advertisements for Banner's production of 'Collier Laddie'. Also included is a 1970s reprint of an Edwardian indictment of capitalism 'How the Miners are robbed, the Duke in the Dock' by John Wheatley [5th Edition 1908].
A handwritten note to Rhoma [Bowdler] [24/10/1975] refers to an article written by Nou [?] for 'The Miner' about Banner Theatre and 'Collier Laddie'. A copy of the October / November 1975 issue of this newspaper of the National Union of Mineworkers is included, with the article on p.5. The note also refers to an article by Nou about Banner's 'Womankind' for the Morning Star, but no copy of this article is included.
Cataloguer's Note: spare copies of brochures for the South Wales and Yorkshire galas and 'The Miner' have been removed from this file. |