A powerful new piece of musical drama created by school students from Peckham after the murder of a much-loved friend will premier at Bold Tendancies this week.
The Endz was written by Harris Academy pupils set to a score from the Multi Storey Orchestra.
A mix of rap, spoken word, songs, the show tells the story of how gang violence and knife crime tears apart two friends, in its young performers’ own words.
Originally due to premier in March 2020, the project is now having its long-delayed first showing in Peckham on Friday, July 23.
Around 30 young people took part in the project, many of whom were friends with murdered teenager Malcolm Mide-Madariola.
Malcolm, from Peckham, died after being stabbed three times with a ‘Zombie-style hunting knife’ outside Clapham South tube station in November 2018.
The top academic student, described as a ‘role model to all’ by his former teachers, was viciously attacked while trying to intervene when a group started a fight with his friend.
His killer, Tammuz Brown, from Abbey Wood, was sentenced to sixteen years in jail for the senseless attack.
In the days after Malcolm’s death, executive principal Rebecca Hickey told the News: “He had a dedicated work ethic, was a deep and creative thinker and balanced a calm, mature manner with a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious smile.
“Malcolm was admired by all in our school community: teachers loved working with him; younger students looked up to him and his peers recognised him as a very special individual.
“To lose such a precious, innocent life at so young an age is beyond tragic. Malcolm will be remembered always as a great ambassador of Harris Academy Peckham.”
A foundation set up by Malcolm’s bereaved father, Olumide, raises funds to work with young people to divert them away from crime and make good choices, and has also helped coordinate fundraising in memory of Thames rescue hero Folajimi Olubunmi.
The Endz, directed by Kate Whitley, explores the drivers behind youth crime and its devastating fall out, by focusing on the story of two childhood friends with very different home lives.
“We created this project because we wanted to let people know what our reality is as there is not enough awareness,” said student Nathaniel Casaclang, from Harris Academy.
“As young people we are told that we have the power to change things; but people are still not listening to us.
“Nothing changes. This is our way of spreading the word and we hope people will listen.”
Director Kate Whitley added: “We’ve been blown away by the creative energy of the young people in this project.
“The way they’ve come together to write their own music and lyrics is hugely inspiring, and a great example of how important creativity can be.”
Ticket are available online at: https://www.multi-story.org.uk/upcomingevents
All images (c) Ambra Vernuccio