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The Time Has Come...

The Lawrence Batley Theatre is spearheading a series of events marking the bi-centenary of the Luddite revolt of 1812.

Having beaten off competition via a telephone vote broadcast on ITV’s Calendar in June 2011, the LBT was awarded funding from The Jubilee People’s Millions, an annual grants programme run by the Big Lottery Fund, in partnership with ITV.

The Big Lottery Fund distributes half of the National Lottery good cause funding across the UK. The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need. The grant of £55,197 will enable the theatre to work with dozens of artists, community groups and organisations from across Kirklees under the banner UPRISING, to create and deliver massive programme of arts events across the district. Everyone throughout Kirklees will have the opportunity to take part, from young to old, those who enjoy the arts to those who might never have thought it was for them.

The story of the Luddites in Kirklees, revolutionary workers whose socialist movement fought against technology 'hurtful to Commonality' that threatened the livelihoods of skilled textile artisans, is a captivating story and a rich subject.  Through it, we will explore our shared heritage whilst celebrating values for the future of our community.

Highlights from the UPRISING series include:

A new touring production from Mikron, the Marsden based theatre company, called ‘CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?’ which opens at Oakwell Hall Barn in Birstall on 14 April and goes on to tour unusual venues across Kirklees, including the Swan Inn in Saddleworth. Further details can be found at www.mikron.org.uk

RE:VOLT will be a large scale adult community production at the LBT. This newly commissioned play explores the personal turmoil faced by those involved in protest, as the stories of the Luddites resonate through time to the present day. It plays on the LBT main stage from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 June. See www.uprisingevents.org for information about how to get involved.

On Friday 11 May, the University of Huddersfield are organising a free public debate, THE LUDDITES & THE PENNINES, with Dr Navickas, a specialist in the study of popular movements in the North of England who has appeared on BBC Radio 4 and other programmes. The evening will be followed by a lively exchange in the bar and features traditional Luddite songs performed by Jim Potter and Alma Wright. See the university’s new Luddite themed website, www.ludditelink.org.uk for information on this and everything you need to know about the Luddites.

Kirklees Museums and Galleries are re-curating the Luddites exhibition at the Tolston Museum and creating a special touring exhibition, LUDDITES IN KIRKLEES, which will be on display at the LBT from Monday 25 June to Saturday 28 July. This free exhibition includes unique artefacts from the events of the Luddites, including the infamous Enoch’s hammer and William Horsfall’s actual sword! See www.kirklees.gov.uk/museums for more information.

There’s also exhibitions, workshops, anniversary events and much, much more. The theatre is embracing the digital age by using well known social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter and the internet to spread the word about the festival, as well as using new QR codes on the printed brochure, which can be scanned using modern phones.

Jude Wright, Marketing Co-ordinator said: “People have a notion that the Luddites resisted technology. Though this may not be strictly true, we are enjoying playing with the idea of using cutting-edge technology in the promotion of events.”

Victoria Firth, Director at the LBT comments: “Thanks to every one of the people who voted for us and the Big Lottery Fund, 2012 is going to be a year filled with exciting and unique projects that will give a real boost to local people, arts organisations and community groups.”