by our exhibitions and the collection.
Blitz, Change and Rock 'n' Roll
Based on stories from people who lived in Manchester through the 40s and 50s, this workshop explores life, work and entertainment through drama, dance and song.
Aims (Skills, Knowledge, Outcome)
- To empathise with life in the city in the 1940’s and 1950’s
- To listen and respond to personal testimonies of life in Manchester in the 1940’s and 1950’s
- To reflect on the changes brought about by the Second World War
- To compare and contrast our own lifestyles with those of people in the mid-twentieth century
What happens in the session
We travel back in time to Britain in the 1940’s and 1950’s and examine a variety of artworks from this era. We combine our interpretation of these artworks with the sounds, music, artefacts and clothing of the time to bring this period to life.
As we visit the artworks, we listen to the personal experiences and memories of people who were children and teenagers in Manchester during the Second World War and 1950’s. Through drama, role play and dance, we relive these experiences as we imagine ourselves taking refuge from the German bombers in an Anderson shelter, reflect on the physical and social changes brought about by the war, and herald the advent of television and rock and roll.
How to prepare for the session
- Discuss with the children the value of experiencing real artworks through a gallery visit, rather than reproductions
- Ensure the children have a basic knowledge of World War 2 – when it was and who we were fighting against
- Explain that the session involves lots of drama and role play, some of which involves everyone and some of which involves just a few
What people are saying about the session
“Sometimes the children find it hard to believe that there are people still alive today who grew up without television.”
“My favourite part is when we’re sitting shivering in an Anderson Shelter, singing to cheer ourselves up and drown out the sound of the Luftwaffe.”
“Everyone is always out of breath at the end of this session!”
For more information including booking, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment, please go to plan your visit.
