“It’s a little bit of the old Docklands that has been rescued. It still looks and feels like what it would have been. Through think and thin, the Space has come through with links to the glory days of the Docks,” Sir Ian McKellen, The Wharf.
The Space is celebrating its 20th anniversary! From its humble origins in a derelict church the Space was transformed into a vibrant arts centre back in 1996. It is both an important creative hub, producing outstanding professional productions, and an asset for the local community. Over the years the Space has required a high level of commitment and dedication from its staff, volunteers and trustees. The incredible lengths that they have gone to in order to make the Space a success are recognised here in our feature ’20 people who shaped the Space’. Of course there are many others who have contributed, we would also like to thank all of our volunteers, artists, performers, supporters and audience members for making the Space such a great place to be.
Pradeep Jeyaratnam-Joyner
Pictured above with Space director, Adam Hemming and Sir Ian McKellen
“Don’t panic, we may be in Dave Granger” occasionally but the Chairman of the Board happens to be one of our new members of the 20 people who shaped the Space so we are in safe hands. We’re extremely fortunate to have his support, insight and leadership as he takes us forward as an organisation into the next 20 years.
From the very first Space production where Pradeep enthusiastically leapt over a chaise longue and mispronounced the words “We’re all in Grave Danger” he has been one of the heartbeats of the Space. Artistically, he went on to perform in such classics as the Graduate, The Master and Margarita before taking a lead role in The Space Christmas Space Show (set in space). Not content with treading the boards he has distinguished himself as a director – co-directing the epic Caucasian Chalk Circle and formed his own company: A Monkey with Cymbals to direct The Shape of Things. After serving on the Space’s Arts Committee and Board of Trustees for a number of years he was appointed as Chair in 2015.
As befits someone who has contributed much to Space, bringing his professional skills as a trainer and facilitator to the board room and green room it was not difficult to find some tributes for him from his peers.
“Pradeep is a delight. He is a true champion of the Space bringing an enthusiasm and sincerity to all of his endeavours. He has the rare ability to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated and happy that they joined the team,” Kate Osborne –Treasurer.
“Pradeep has a ‘what can we do to make it better?’ philosophy and his willingness to help us grow and develop by telling us about opportunities for courses is highly valued,” Keri Chesser Theatre manager, sound designer.
“Pradeep has been part of the inventory of the Space for the longest time. He was in the very first Space Production and has been a great advocate for our theatre spreading the word of the venue far and wide. During my time at the Space, he was a great supporter of the staff, always offering us valuable encouragement,” Mari Rettedal Westlake Former centre manager, producer.
Sebastian Rex
Living locally, Sebastian first came into contact with the Space as an assessor for the Off-West End awards (nominating Space Productions’ A Doll’s House for a Best Set Design Award). After meeting with Adam and Mari, he swiftly joined the Space Arts Committee. Sebastian took on the ScriptSpace project for playwrights and became the Literary Manager. Continuing the work in supporting new writing, Sebastian developed and ran the Script6 project in 2014 and then the popular 28/29 Plays Later events in 2015 and 16. Sebastian’s involvement in developing the programming at the Space has helped to raise the quality of work and brought us the One Festival which is about to enter its 5th year.
As a writer the Space has staged some of Sebastian’s works including The Man who Found his Freedom, Fulfil me Fully, Phil and the recent Manifesto. Sebastian has directed numerous pieces at the Space and was director of the Roof Garden Players, working with a rep company to create and produce 3 pieces for performance during the summer of 2015 at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf.
Jodie Botha – SAC member: It’s hard to write plaudits for a man who is in equal measure humble and talented. Yes, he is a perfectionist, but also a team player and he works hard to get the best out of everyone for the benefit of everyone. He has a truly individual perspective which adds depth and colour to all projects he is a part of.
“Sebastian is a truly brilliant and original creative. I think he sees things in a really unique way and this translates into his work, be it his choreography, writing or directing. I’ve always loved working with him, with his kooky exercises, honesty, attention to detail and challenging direction. He knows how to get the best out of actors and I love to see and be a part of his work. He always has a good pun up his sleeve!”, Avita Jay – Actor and SAC member.
To read about the other fifteen people that have helped shaped the space click here.