Lewisham Youth Theatre capturing memories of Catford Pic: Helen Stanley

Lewisham Youth Theatre wants residents to share their memories of Catford to create a production about the area’s history.

The drama group, based at the Broadway Theatre in Catford, will start the project next month.

Artistic director, Helen Stanley, is inviting the local community to share their memories and photographs of Catford, and to take part in the performance.

The production is in response to the regeneration of Lewisham town centre. Jennifer Taillefer, the administrator at Lewisham Youth Theatre, said: “We’re not saying that we are against regeneration, we’re saying that change is happening so let’s look at what used to be here and build community through shared memories.”

Lewisham Council are in the process of redeveloping Catford town centre, and plan to refurbish the main shopping centre and Lewisham Town Hall.

Milford Towers, the infamous housing estate where Rochelle Holness was murdered in 2005, is also being demolished.

Taillefer said that Lewisham Youth Theatre wants to ensure that Catford residents feel they are a part of the regeneration process.

“From a community perspective, we want to help create a sense of community and give people a voice in what’s happening.”

Tallefer added: “A performance about a certain building would actually take place there.”

The first stage of the project, which focuses on gathering and sharing memories, will run from January to April next year.

The second stage, which will run until April 2015, will be the preparation of a series of site-specific performances in Catford.

An initial community meeting will take place from 2–4pm on January 25 at The Broadway Theatre.