theatrotechnis

The "Campaign to Save Theatro Technis" (1977) was supported by the BBC Open Door Programme at a time when the then-proposed building of the Maiden Lane Housing Estate by Camden Council meant that the theatre building which had been converted by unfunded volunteers from a disused railwayshed (with the Council's permission and encouragement) had just been completed, but was to be demolished to make way for the redevelopment.

Intercuts scenes from the play "The Appellants" by George Eugeniou, based on the case histories of Greek Cypriot refugees and proposing sanctuary as a means of avoiding their deportation, with documentary footage of the case of Katerina and Vassilis Nicola seeking Sanctuary in St. Mary's Church in Camden during the Thatcher Government. The couple, who had been living and working in London since 1976, sought sanctuary during February 1985, and the case went on appeal to the House of Lords and was the subject of a vote by the European Parliament, but the couple were still deported. This case was the catalyst for many other cases of refugees taking asylum in Churches worldwide during subsequent years.

Video material available from this channel includes the entire evening of celebration for the 50th Anniversary, on 3rd May 2007, which included performed extracts from the Kubrik-inspired satire, "The Madness of George Dubya" which was devised and performed at Theatro Technis by Justin Butcher, including the 'mad general', the 'speech of the Iraqi ambassador', and the two songs "We'll All Go Together" and "The Myth of Redemptive Violence" - performed extracts from Theatro Technis' founder, George Eugeniou's - ""Forza Gallileo" paying tribute to Brecht and Joan Littlewood, and a 'ritual piece' from "The Persians" - music by Ricardo Curbelo - and speeches outlining the history of activity during Theatro Technis' 50 year development.