Theatre Royal Stratford East has launched a public appeal to raise money for a sculpture to remember the legendary theatre director Joan Littlewood who made that then run-down theatre the home of her Theatre Workshop company in 1953. It will be a permanent reminder of the contribution she made to British Theatre.
The theatre has commissioned the internationally acclaimed artist Philip Jackson to create the bronze sculpture which will be placed in Theatre Square, Stratford, situated outside the theatre and on the edge of the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The sculptor’s recent works include the National Memorial Sculpture to HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother in The Mall, London, The Bomber Command Memorial Sculpture in Green Park, London, the Champions sculpture of Sir Bobby Moore at Upton Park and the sculpture of Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United FC.
This significant artwork, which will be one and a half times life size, will be based on the well-known photograph of Joan sitting on rubble outside the theatre, which was taken in the 1970s when the theatre faced the threat of demolition.
The public artwork will be a permanent reminder of Joan Littlewood’s contribution to British Theatre. Kerry Michael, Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East said, “Joan Littlewood brought theatre to the people of East London and revolutionised the international theatre landscape with her bold and powerful productions.
"She was an inspiration to many and it’s important that we recognise the significance of her work and build upon her success to inspire future generations.
"We’re delighted to have raised over 50% of the funds required to commemorate her with a statue in Theatre Square and urge the public to get behind this important campaign."
Joan Littlewood, a champion of the working class (though she also counted the champagne and banking Rothschilds among her friends), was a force for change in British theatre.
The first person to play Mother Courage in Britain, her productions ranged from classic revivals of Volpone and Edward II to new writers such as Brendan Behan, Shelagh Delaney, and musicals like Frank Norman and Lionel Bart’s Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’ Be and the internationally successful Oh What a Lovely War which the Theatre Royal will be reviving in a 50th anniversary production next February.
If you want to make a contribution to the £120,000 that still needs to be raised, you can pledge support and donate online at www.joanlittlewood.com.