“Barrio” is back. The play that follows first- and second-generation immigrants from Latin America in Elephant and Castle has a new set of characters who are faced with a new dilemma. The council plans to demolish Castleview Estate, will Santiago and his friends fight or run? What awaits them on the other side?
Zac Liew
Latin American immigrants started to settle in Elephant and Castle in the 1980s. The borough became known as the ‘Latin Quarter’ and today has more than 80 Latin American shops and restaurants. For many, it is a home away from home.
But this home is now at threat of being destroyed. In 2021 the main shopping centre was demolished and many shop-owners lost their business. Elephant and Castle council’s push for what it calls ‘regeneration’ is gaining momentum. Locals have another word for it: gentrification.
On the back of the success of The Barrio project, creative Sara Al Ghanem has returned with a new instalment in the series to explore themes such as cultural identity, the migrant experience in the ghetto, family values, friendship and hope. In this way she brings into focus everything that is at risk of being turned to rubble.
This time, in the new play titled “Barrio”, it is Santiago’s and his friends’ estate that the council wants to knock down.
“Creating and strengthening social bonds, engaging with feelings and understanding oneself and the world are the key outcomes for this project,” says Al Ghanem.
“This is of particular importance when considering that the Latin community in the UK is barely represented or celebrated in the arts”, she adds.
“Despite many being aware of the presence of the Latin community in the city, the aim is to share their history and experience with those who may not be familiar with the difficulties that the community is encountering”.
The main character Santiago was born in Colombia 25 years ago and moved to London at the age of 5. English is his first language, England is his home. Yet the risk of losing so much of what he knows moves him to look inside himself and study the nuances of his identity. The Barrio Project debuted at the Temple of Art and Music in April 2022 as part of a 3-day Latin Arts Festival organised by Creative Vortex Productions. The semi-immersive performance had a live DJ set in the background.
Al Ghanem is trialling “Barrio” at a rehearsed reading in Dalston on February 13th. The audience is invited to give feedback and inform the direction of the new play.
For more information about the project click here.
(Photos by Andy B. Gonzalez, from The Barrio Project, authorised for publication)
.jpg)
