A few hours before doors opened and This Is Who We Think We Are was already sold out. Who would have thought this year's summer school at Stratford Circus would have created such fervor? But then, the whole three-week experience, putting together the show, reaffirmed that history and cultural identity resonate in a place far deeper than pop culture.

The energy and anticipation building in The Circus was strong. The group's self-appointed spokesperson, the lovable and highly comedic MacCarthy, welcomed proud family members, VIPs and curious locals to the show, with an entertaining and informative speech. Once Councilor Corbett and Heritage Lottery Fund reps finished framing the experience in its broader context, as part of the national Portrait of a Nation project, it was time for the 50-strong coalition of 14-19 year old students to display their talents in dancing, singing and video production. The aim was to lend artistic expression to the movement of Caribbean and African to Britain from the 50s and to celebrate their cultural impact. The students did not disappoint.

Rachel McKenzie lifted spirits with her homage to the gospel tradition

The show opened with some great footage of the young people talking about identity. Filmed in a Big Brother ‘diary room’ style, the piece created a unique canvas for many of the personal journeys over the course of the summer school (the giant video screen was later used to create eye-catching backdrops and share moving interviews, conducted by the Circus Media students, with the Windrush Generation.)

Attention shifted back to the stage with the first performance, a piece about life in The Caribbean and Africa, before The Empire call. This was expressed with dancers carrying baskets and sacks, reflecting on the harvesting season, as they danced with joy and happiness.

The sounds of waves and sea birds set the scene perfectly, as the bold prepared to make their voyage of discovery. Assuming the form of a physical ship, the dance piece that followed had the young people moving like a boat in a turbulent storm to show their passage to Britain (gifted MCs Jman and Nayta provided the ‘sea sick’ commentary lol).

The high-energy finale affirmed an emerging cultural pride... that will no doubt inform many... long after curtain fall

Upon arrival on these shores, many found that the natives looked upon them with disdain and wouldn’t allow Africans and Caribbean people to rent rooms (no Blacks, no Irish, no dogs), go into clubs, and frequent other social places. Elsewhere, some whites embraced the African and Caribbean culture and celebrated their music (if not the people themselves). This was portrayed via a series of edgy scenes that drew up the racial, musical and economic battle lines for all to see.

A short drama about the settlement period followed, as family members came to join loved ones. This process was signified with children playing outside, parents going to work and the whole family going to church. The latter scene featured a stirring vocal performance from Rachel McKenzie, who lifted spirits with her homage to the gospel tradition.

As the time line marched forward the show shifted gears. High fashion, flamboyant outfits and a break neck race, through a variety of musical genres, reflected the different eras leading up to present day. By the time the troupe had skanked, 2stepped, mash-potatoed, bogalled and raved (with glow sticks) their way through the British black music experience, the audience was fully involved and in the groove.

This Is Who We Think We Are was a wonderful show that will surely steal hearts and minds

Today’s youth culture was acted out on stage with a dramatic showpiece that captured the postcode rivalry and cultural angst that is currently gripping hearts and headlines. The hard, string-based soundtrack and edgy rap perfectly complemented the warning message sung out by the Urban Development vocalists.

If the present seemed tense, then the vision of the future provided welcome relief. Tribal chants and a foot-stomping rhythm harked back to the Motherland, as the East London Dance students put on a beautifully choreographed performance to the sound of steel pans and syncopated drums.

All that was left was for the full cast to join forces for the closing number - an all-dancing, all-singing affair led by some great MCing, a Candy Dance and an infectious chorus. The high-energy finale affirmed an emerging cultural pride and a growing confidence that will no doubt inform many of the participants (and audience members) long after curtain fall. What an excellent way to end the night!

This Is Who We Think We Are was a wonderful show that will surely steal hearts and minds in December when the team travels to Liverpool to represent London in the closing ceremonies for the European Capital Of Culture 2008.

Words: Alain Clapham and Ayo Bami

For more information about the summer school, Portrait Of Nation and Liverpool finale visit www.whowethinkweare.co.uk