Jane George
Liverpool
I always remember going on the inflatable that was like a huge padded den. It was the biggest inflatable that I had ever seen. We only seemed to go during the school holidays. It was only after our school that I realised that the Blackie had much more to offer and was to be involved in various projects in future years.
When I was with a dance group (Donna,
Omar, Nicola Osu and Paul) from the
Methodist Youth Centre we performed
in the Blackie in the “Colour Me Badd”
project. It was a brilliant and frightening
experience in the kind of space any
dancer would love. The project was an
insight into the world of theatre.
I was with the Catalyst Dance Group when we performed again in the Blackie. I attended the Black African Dance Workshops, under the skilful tuition of Lisa and Maxine Agatha. The experience added a new dimension to our routines and aspirations. It opened our eyes to how we could innovate in our dance routines.
I have always worked with children and
was employed by Liverpool Black Sisters
for many years during its development.
The project offered play provision and
a school pick-up service. The Sisters
were the catalystfor the Kuumba Imani
Millennium Centre,a top of the range
community facility with an emphasis
on women’s educational and health needs.
Taking part in a radio drama called 'The
Grove' was a special period. The play was
produced and directed by local women/
artists called The Positive Impact Crew
and was a weekly series aired on Radio
Merseyside. The drama was about the trials
and tribulations of a fictionmal Liverpool
family, it was very popular and attracted
thousands of listeners.
I had to leave the work arena for a while after the birth of our son Joseph in 2007. Again my work with children helped me during the early years of bringing up my own child. I have now returned to child care work and am presently a senior play worker at the Kuumba Imani Millennium Centre.