Black History Youth Theatre was created in 2011 in response to the London Riots and the cynicism felt towards Tottenham – the epicentre of these events.

Amanda Wright, Founder / Director of Arts Bridge, was born and raised in Tottenham and was one of the few people in her social group growing up to progress to Higher Education. Amanda wanted to create a project which would give young people in the area the opportunity to re-build a sense of pride and dispel the negativity that stained the borough’s Black community.

During the intensive 4 day course, we challenged this negativity by celebrating African and West Indian heritage. Through the use storytelling, drama and games we explored aspects of slavery, the civil rights movement and contributions by Black inventors.

It was essential that the course was open to children and young people of all ethnicities in order to break down barriers and promote community cohesion. This course allowed Arts Bridge to develop a partnership with Bernie Grants Arts Centre, Tottenham – the venue for the project.

Self-funded pilot