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T  H  E     S  T  O  P  P  I  N  G     P  L  A  C  E

 In partnership with Newham Music Education Hub, University of East London and the Wiener Holocaust Library​

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The Stopping Place is a powerful new choral opera work drawing on music of the Roma tradition staging the history of the Roma holocaust with a chorus, choir & orchestra drawn from secondary schools in Newham, East London.

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This three year project culminated in an epic production at the Great Hall, University of East London in the heart of Stratford, bringing together 140 young people from the Borough, Roma and non-Roma to celebrate Roma heritage.

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The production creates new leading roles in the repertoire for under-represented professional artists from the Roma musical tradition and community.

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We will shortly publish a film of the production and share the 'Show Album'​ with the original cast, chorus and Bridging Sounds Orchestra.
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​Pusomori and Kaven are half sisters born into the Romani community but now living in two very different worlds. Separated as teenagers Pusomori continues travelling while Kaven, who is 'poshrat' [a 'mixed blood' Romani] has settled. The ‘Big Halt’ has been called and gypsies are no longer permitted to travel. Kaven returns to the atchin tan but what price is she prepared to pay for being a sister, a daughter, a Romani?

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'My family have been performing Roma music for generations and the chance to bring the history of my people and our music to a wider audience so they can understand us better is very important to me.'
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Sindy Czureja: Performer, The Stopping Place

 

More than the stage

'The Stopping Place' has been Brolly's most ambitious participation project to date. We tailored distinct creative interventions for our participants and partners which included audio exhibitions (Roma Support Group), symposia (The Wiener Holocaust Library), Professional development programme (Newham Music/UEL), a school day takeover (Royal Docks Academy).

 

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The Roma Patrin 

‘Patrin’ is the Romani word for the signposts, symbols and messages that Roma people would traditionally leave for each other at the ‘atchin tans’ or ‘stopping places’ for their fellow travellers. 

The Wiener Holocaust Library


 

An interactive audio/visual installation drawing on the testimonies of the Roma holocaust in conversation with contemporary Roma voices celebrating the culture, music and history of the Roma community. (click here)
 

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"The Stopping Place was outstanding in so many ways; storytelling at its best. The interweaving of animation, set design, choreography and music, created theatre that was powerful, emotional and truthful. "

 

John Bergin

Chief Executive Officer, Newham Music Education Hub

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We would also like to thank the Roma Support Group and London Gypsies and Travellers Organisation.

Past productions:
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 2025 illustrated and designed by brolly

 the greener
Opera
her
Guantanamo Boy
Powder Monkey
Opera


 
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