Our Shared Heritage (OSH)
Connecting cultures through stories, objects and artefacts
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this project explores African stories, objects, tricksters, gods and goddesses and their counterparts in other cultures. The research featured exhibitions and the devised music theatre piece “The Green Stone Bead”.
Planning
We held planning meetings with strategic partners, researchers and volunteers to review the project timetable, outputs and outcomes and also their implementation.
Publicity
We publicised the project using various print and electronic media – leaflets, posters, email campaigns, newspapers, e-bulletins, social media, radio and television.
Volunteers / Researchers
16 volunteers were recruited and inducted to facilitate the smooth running of the project. Six worked as researchers – Aby M’bengue (Rooster symbolism around the world), Vanessa Jubey (Coral Beads), David Garnett (Mami Wata), Sarah Okpokam (Gods and Goddesses), Edem Mensah (Stories and Tricksters), Ekua Agha (The shared heritage of Asante Kente).
Cross Cultural Heritage Training
67 project participants from the community and heritage sector took part in training at The British Museum to develop skills on connecting cultures through stories, objects and artefacts.
The Gods, Goddesses, Objects & Artefacts
We explored myths, legends, objects and artefacts and identified cross-cultural connections (e.g. thunder gods, Mami Wata, coral beads, cockerel symbolism).
Greek god of war
Yoruba god of war
Benin ceremonial sword
Islam
Congo
Hindu river goddess
Ghana vs Scottish tartans
Nigeria vs Fez (Turkey)
Nigeria
Holland
Benin
Hindu goddess
Cross Cultural Storytelling Training
10 trainees accessed training at The British Museum and with IROKO exploring oral storytelling performance techniques in a cross-cultural context. Trainees received NOCN-accredited certificates.
Creative Process
We analysed research materials and used them to create “The Green Stone Bead” — a music theatre piece. Auditions recruited performers for showcases at The British Museum, Goldsmiths, Barking Learning Centre, Redbridge and Stratford libraries and schools.
The creative process included research, composition and devising dramatic pieces for re-enactment and showcases.
Downloadable Resource Pack & Learning Activities
We have put together a FREE Resource Pack together with fun Learning Activities that cover various curricular subject areas. Please feel free to download and enjoy!
OSH Evaluation & Feedback
Selected Feedback & Endorsements
“…We’d like to say how much we’ve enjoyed working with you on the training sessions and watching the way you’ve transformed your growing knowledge of the Museum’s collection into creative performances.”
— Siân Hunter Dodsworth, Former Head of Community Partnerships, The British Museum
“IROKO and the British Museum had worked together for several years, and this was a really nice way to strengthen the relationship and do something a bit different.”
— Lorna Cruickshanks, Community Partnerships Coordinator, The British Museum
“Staff who attended either the training or the performance felt it was an excellent way to highlight different cultures using history/artefacts. The performance was well received by the audience… it encouraged families into the library.”
— Maria Barnes, Team Leader, Barking Learning Centre
“The performance was so much fun! And having the mini exhibition with objects and the research gave people a really nice intro to what had taken place in the lead up to the performance.”
— Lorna Cruickshanks
“By far the most successful aspect of IROKO’s performance was the end sequence … Bringing the children to the stage one by one sent a clear message that they were welcomed and wanted.”
— Emily Feltham (dissertation extract)
“A tasteful, family-friendly musical; well choreographed, well directed and well performed.”
— Chris Omaweng, London Theatre 1 Review
“This performance should take place in many more places.”
— Anonymous, Redbridge Central Library
“Fantastic show — needs to tour!”
— Child, Goldsmith University
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