Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear from Mike Jackson and our notable panelists as they discuss the powerful stories and themes behind Pride and The Miner Birds.
Detailed Description
Join us for an engaging and insightful In Conversation event featuring Mike Jackson, the director of the acclaimed film Pride. This special evening will be held at Keele in Town and will include discussions with Rose Hunter, a member of the North Staffs Miners' Wives, and Helen Parr, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History and Director of the Keele Institute for Social Inclusion.
The In Conversation will be preceded by a performance of the final scene soliloquy from ‘The Miner Birds’.
Chair:
- Helen Parr, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History and Director of the Keele Institute for Social Inclusion.
Panelists:
- Mike Jackson, Director of Pride
- Rose Hunter, Member of North Staffs Miners' Wives
Event Highlights:
- Mike Jackson will share his experiences and insights on directing Pride, a film that beautifully captures the solidarity between the LGBTQ+ community and the miners during the 1984-85 miners' strike.
- Rose Hunter will provide her perspective as a member of the North Staffs Miners' Wives, discussing the impact of the strike and the ongoing legacy of the miners' wives' activism.
- Helen Parr will guide the conversation.
- The discussion will consider The Miner Birds, a play written by Dr. Lisa Blower in partnership with New Vic Borderlines. This play commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Miners' Strike and celebrates the voices of the North Staffs Miners' Wives.
What to Expect:
- A lively and thought-provoking conversation about the themes of activism, solidarity, and social justice
- An opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panelists
- Insights into the making of Pride and its cultural significance
- A look at the creation and impact of The Miner Birds play
Mike Jackson, grew up in a proud, working-class, mill town in Lancashire. He was the first in the family to go to university. He chose Keele, starting in 1976. At Keele he became one of the founders of North Staffs Gay Switchboard and joined his first picket line at the famous Grunwick dispute. During the 1984/5 Miners’ Strike he and Mark Ashton founded Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, the story of which was told in the award-winning movie ‘Pride’ (Pathé 2014). Retired but still active politically, he jointly organised the hugely successful 40th anniversary ‘Pits & Perverts’ benefit last year.
Who Should Attend: This event is open to everyone, including students, film enthusiasts, activists, and anyone interested in the history and impact of the miners' strike. Whether you're a fan of the film Pride or passionate about social justice, this event promises to be an inspiring and memorable experience.
