Beyond the Public Face – Museum of London

MOLplaqueDuring 2009, lynda Agard hands outTrue Heart Theatre  was engaged by Lynda Agard – the Museum of London’s Community Access Officer –DSC_1564

to facilitate a process with London’s heterogeneous Chinese community which led to the creation of an art installation in the Museum’s Galleries of Modern London.Hale holding boards showing design

IMG_5746The process included action methods and Playback Theatre with simultaneous translation in three languages (English, Mandarin, Cantonese) leading to the selection of artist – Hale Man, her design, IMG_6021and the making of a permanent Art Installation representing the Chinese community in London.

Over 100 participants 1.hands together2valjulceciljuju preciousrepresenting different

Chinese communities in London, aged 9 – 85, attended three events.

cecil & elaine pair

Through Playback Theatre stories of their life in the UK emerged: tensions between their original and new home, their dreams and aspirations, hopes and wishes.

1.boy showing his design on wall

These stories influenced the selection of the artist and the design of this exhibit.

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The process also encouraged the community to participate in the physical construction of the art installation during the following months.

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The ‘wishing well’ with a golden phoenix rising handsout of the fire was unveiled in May 2010 at the newly refurbished Galleries of Modern MOLJulieCecilValentinaJulianVeronicaWingHongLondon.

phoenix in gallery1

Download THT’s MOL Article for Interplay as pdf

After three years residence, the Museum has recently returned the artwork to Hale Man, the artist, who is currently managing its next incarnation and new home.