For a brief overview of our Great War MK project, with a stunning soundtrack by young singer-songwriter Anna Hester, please take a few minutes to watch this video:
There are short films relating to each strand of the project available here: https://vimeo.com/greatwarmk
Two community plays referencing the lives of Milton Keynes residents 100 years ago brought to life by Pepper’s Ghost Theatre Company.
This film tells the story of how the WW1 archives of Milton Keynes, held by Living Archive, have been interpreted through music.
The film of For the Fallen, the development of the banners, the dancing and the finale…
The film of the making of the The Best Company tank.
And The Best Company Performance…
As part of Great War MK, Independent Cinema MK commissioned artist Rachel Wright to work with young people from Milton Keynes to create four short stop-motion animations. Using poetry, first-hand accounts and inspired by the concept of conflict 100 years ago and today, these animations show understanding, compassion and empathy.
On 6th November, the Great War MK project partners came together to deliver ‘Great War MK Remembered’ our finale event at The Venue MK. Produced by Full House, this event was designed to be a showcase of the different elements of the project and a fitting commemoration for the WW1 centenary.
With dance, performance, film and live music, ‘Great War MK Remembered’ was a varied and moving event.
“I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed last night. It was very professionally put together, very entertaining, and made us really think about the affect the war had on our local area.”
“The dancing was thought provoking and a unlike anything I have seen previously, ballet, national and folk. It was a cross between street and gymnastics but at the same time graceful and eloquent and really encouraged your imagination…”
“A remarkable feat and at times poignant tribute to those that served in the Great War…The Last Post said it all with hardly a dry eye in the house.”
“The closing scene was moving and beautiful, with an excellent rendition of the Last Post.”
“A thoughtful & fitting finale to a wonderful project.”
“The readings and poems were well chosen and emotionally moving. The excerpt from Nellie was both poignant and amusing – just the right balance.”
“All the animations were good but the one that will really stick in my memory was Lego in the trenches by the Great Linford Scouts. I think this could, and should be entered in both national and even international competitions.”
The Arts and Heritage Alliance would like to thank everyone who was involved in the project, and everyone who joined us for the finale on 6th November.
On 6th November 2015, the Great War MK partners are presenting the finale to their WW1 centenary project – a powerful performance of dance, drama, poetry, music and film. Drawing on the different elements produced over the last two years, Great War MK Remembered will provide a poignant evening for all.
This showcase will bring together a patchwork of creative responses to WW1 in an evening of entertainment, commemoration and reflection. The evening will celebrate the talent and achievements of the Milton Keynes arts and heritage community and will include performances of original music composed by young people, moving dramatic performances from Pepper’s Ghost Theatre Company, haunting poetry, and breath-taking choreography with dancers from Shenley Retirement Village and Initiate Youth Dance Company. There’s also a rare chance to see the spectacular replica of a WW1 tank created by carnival company Festive Road and animations made by children working with Independent Cinema MK, in what promises to be an uplifting and poignant finale of the Great War MK project.
Great War MK Remembered is a unique opportunity to see the work of eleven fantastic organisations from the Milton Keynes region on one night, in one spectacular showcase performance.
Great War MK Remembered will take place at 7.30pm on 6th November at The Venue MK, Walton High. The show is being produced by local production company, Full House.
Tickets are £3 each or £10 for a family of four, available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/eventsmk
Manny Ademolu, Young Singer/Songwriter for Great War MK said:
‘This project has been great … it has challenged my skills as a songwriter to create a new piece of work that conveys a matter that still affects us to date. And working with a passionate and talented group of musicians is a constant reminder of the beauty and power that music holds.’
Euan Henderson, Chair of AHA-MK said:
‘This is the culmination of two years’ planning, researching, creating and delivering new ways of looking at the First World War 100 years ago as experienced in the area now transformed by the Metropolitan Borough and New City of Milton Keynes.’
Take a look at the Great War MK exhibition up at The Discover Milton Keynes Showcase in Central Library. Avaiable to view from now until 5th November, when it will move to The Venue MK for the final project showcase (tickets: £3 and £10 – www.ticketsource.com/eventsmk) on 6th November.
Independent Cinema Milton Keynes have programmed a series of WW1 inspired film screenings, including silent films, new animations created by young people in Milton Keynes, feature films any more. These events will take place between 27th September and 30th October.
Full information here: ICMK’s Great War MK Events
Great War MK 