History is about to misbehave
A series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. The city’s civic archive is one of the most significant outside London, covering over 800 years of York’s history as a self-governing authority. The collection is remarkable both for its continuity and its comprehensiveness, detailing all aspects of life in the city. Local organisations and individuals are also represented in the archive’s ‘community collections’ which date from 1529 onwards. Through our award-winning community arts projects, we continue to challenge the imaginations of our archivists, artists and creatives to use the collections to reach new and diverse audiences.
History is about to misbehave...
History is about to misbehave
History Misbehaves: Head Above Water
Meet Leonard, a man whose life is transformed as he moves from Hungate to the newly built Tang Hall estate.
History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.
Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York. Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.
History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.
Production:
Writer: Paul Birch
Director: Kate Valentine
Sound Editor: Matteo Falco
Production Assistant: Holly Beer
Episodes:
The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon
The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor
All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch
The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch
Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch
Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research
No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry
All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch
Thanks to David Poole for his research.
Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.
History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.