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Theatre review: Ocho
The story of workers from Hull who fought in the Spanish Civil War
Students from Hull will perform 'Ocho' about women and men's struggle against fascism in Spain (Click to enlarge)
Archbishop Sentamu Academy
Ocho tells the story of eight men from Hull who went to fight in the Spanish Civil War. Jane Thornton is a Bafta-winning playwright who has worked with local historians and relatives of the eight men to weave together this fascinating tale, not only of the men but of the wives they left behind.
Beginning in Hull in 1936 and set against the background of the depression, the play evokes memories of picnics in East Park, the tannery, the docks and the joy of washing day!
Facing the challenge of unemployment and the rise of fascism, James Bentley and Robert Wardle decide to take a train from Paragon Station in Hull and travel to London, through France and over the Pyrenees on foot to fight with the International Brigades in Spain.
They leave behind their wives, Kitty and Maggie, and three small children, who despite the struggles of the time, remain optimistic and hopeful for their husbands' return.
With specially composed songs by Dave Rotheray of the Beautiful South, Ocho is performed by the Spotlight Ensemble from Archbishop Sentamu Academy in Hull.
With ever-increasing cuts to the arts and severe lack of support from the government at a time when young people need it most to help deal with academic pressures and self-belief, pursuing a career in the arts can seem unachievable for young people from a disadvantaged area. The Spotlight scholarship programme was set up at Archbishop Sentamu School in September 2016 to encourage gifted and talented pupils in the performing arts.
Having worked with John Godber and Jane Thornton on projects in the past, the school approached them to help with an idea to launch the scholarship programme. They had been told the story of the eight men by musician Gary Hammond (drummer with the Beautiful South) who was seeking a platform to honour them and their achievements.
The two ideas came together and Jane set about writing a play that would give the students an opportunity to work with professionals on all areas of the production and the chance to perform not just in school but in professional spaces across the city.
Barcelona
Through his connections as a fellow at Liverpool John Moore University, John Godber was able to organise taking the play to the Institute of the Arts in Barcelona. 18 pupils will travel out to Spain on 10 July and as well as performing, they will enjoy cultural tours of Barcelona and areas relevant to the Spanish Civil War.
There is a small plaque in the Guildhall in Hull that commemorates the bravery of the eight men who went to Spain. The Hull International Brigades Memorial Group is currently fundraising in order to build a permanent memorial in the city.
Ocho will be performed at:
- Archbishop Sentamu School, Hull, 27-30 June
- Kardomah Theatre, Hull, 4 July
- Howden Shire Hall, Goole, 5 July
- East Riding Theatre, Beverley, 6 July
- Institute of the Arts, Sitges, Barcelona, 11 July
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