A new play by James Kenworth (Newham Plays) Directed by Dario Knight (Unbound Theatre)
19th August – 25th August 2024 Mon-Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thurs-Sat 3pm
For tickets and more information visit www.artinthedocks.com
“I think art is a comfort; and it’s a reason for being, and certainly as an artist it’s the main thing you do. Certainly for Madge Gill it would have been maybe the one thing she had that she could focus on.” Sir Peter Blake ‘Godfather of British Pop Art’
Madge Gill (1882-1961) was one of the foremost British Outsider artists.* She felt an instinctive compulsion to create, resulting in an outpouring that flowed effortlessly and spontaneously from an altered state of consciousness. Working under the control of Myrninerest, her spirit guide, Madge Gill’s art remains an enigma.
She was born in the East End of London, and lived in Plashet Grove, Upton Park. After her death, her only surviving son Laurie gathered hundreds of pieces of Madge’s work which were stored around the house, stuffed into drawers and cupboards and under the bed. He donated most of the works to East Ham Council and are now owned by Newham Council.
Myrninterest: The Outside Life of Madge Gill is the sixth instalment in The Newham Plays, a critically acclaimed series of site-specific, localist-driven plays shows rooted in Newham’s history, culture, and people. Created and written by James Kenworth, the plays are a unique collaboration between a professional creative team working alongside students from Newham schools and young actors from local youth groups/theatres.
Newham Plays
“The script blends present-day London vernacular with the dialect of the early 19th century. It’s easy to watch and it delivers heaps of information without any hint of lecture-hall formality.” The Spectator on Elizabeth Fry: The Angel of Prisons
“Kenworth’s script draws laughter and warm smiles from the notably diverse, promenading audience. It’s true, Canning Town is a melting pot of multiculturalism’” The Upcoming on Alice in Canning Town
“It was difficult to leave not feeling inspired by this tale of grassroots socialism” The Morning Star on A Splotch of Red: Keir Hardie in West Ham
“Terrifically powerful update…Highly recommended” The Independent on Revolution Farm
Art In The Docks is an artist-lead social enterprise, embedded within our local community in the London Borough of Newham, surrounded by one of the youngest and most ethnically diverse populations in the UK. Situated between calm waters of the royal docks and the river Thames, offering a unique, inspiring, contemplative, and uplifting place for art in the docks. Our events strive to offer high-quality artistic experiences to the community, with an emphasis on inclusivity and engagement of local groups who may not typically have access to the art world.
HOW TO GET THERE Nearest station: Gallions Reach DLR Bus: 101, 262, 366, 474, N551
* Art Historian Roger Cardinal originally coined the term ‘Outsider Art’ in 1972. Since then it has been taken to mean self-taught. Outsider artists did not pursue fame, money, or success, worked in isolation and existed outside of the mainstream art world.