Steve Harris
Associate Director, 1984 – 1989
Steve was appointed Associate Director by Chris Bond in 1984 and given responsibility to develop a young people’s theatre programme. He wrote teachers’ resources for many productions, oversaw the Youth Theatres and worked closely with the youth and community teams across Tower Hamlets, playing a significant role in the success of The East End Festival (TEEF). Along with the local authority, he identified White Horse Road as a potential home for Half Moon Young People’s Theatre and helped bring the move to fruition.
Prior to joining the company, Steve was an actor and then a drama teacher. He regularly brought young people to see shows at Half Moon Theatre. He continues to work in arts education to this day.
Full interview. Steve Harris was Associate Director at Half Moon Theatre from 1985-1989 and as such was responsible for the young people’s programme and policy. Steve was interviewed on two separate occasions, first by Alexia-Pyrrha Ashford and later by Toni Tsaera.
Steve Harris recalls the emergence of Half Moon Theatre’s young people’s work in the 1980s and reflects upon where the company is today.
Steve Harris was a drama teacher in East London before he joined the staff of the Half Moon Theatre in the 1980s. He talks about taking his students to see One Big Blow at the Alie Street theatre and how the acapella group, The Flying Pickets came out of the show.
Steve Harris talks about the rehearsal process for Angela Carter’s Vampirella.
Steve Harris talks about the new theatre which was built on the Mile End Road site and how it probably became the downfall of the company.
Steve Harris talks about introducing diversity within the young people’s theatre company and how that led to bi-lingual plays for young audiences.
Steve Harris talks about the accredited technical training course for unemployed young people from Tower Hamlets, which was run in the 1980s.
Steve Harris talks about identifying the White Horse Road building as a new home for the company. He was interviewed on two separate occasions on this subject.
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