Spotlight on 'Plymouth Hoe' by Megan Roberts

Decolonising Spaces and Reclaiming Identity: Megan Roberts’ Exploration of Community on Plymouth Hoe

A central theme of Roberts’ work is the decolonisation of spaces. She examines how historically significant areas in Plymouth have physically and culturally evolved, shaped by shifting power dynamics and class structures. The film illustrates how people from diverse backgrounds have redefined these spaces, offering a commentary on how places are reimagined by the communities that inhabit them.

Reclaiming Plymouth Hoe: From Public Space to Cultural Ground

Plymouth Hoe has long been a focal point for social gatherings and cultural expression. During World War II, despite the constant threat of air raids, the promenade became a site for impromptu dances and outdoor cinema screenings. These events, held amid wartime danger, reflect the Hoe’s role as a vital community space, offering a sense of normality and connection during a difficult time.

Roberts explores how the space has continued to serve as a hub for different communities through a series of interviews with local residents. In the 1970s, the Hoe became a key location for skateboarding, marking the rise of skate culture in the UK. The film delves into this era, but it goes beyond skateboarding, highlighting how Plymouth Hoe has been reclaimed and reinterpreted by various groups, reflecting their changing identities and aspirations. Skateboarding, especially among working-class youth, became a form of self-expression and resistance, offering a new way to engage with public space.

The film also focuses on how marginalised communities have found a sense of belonging and identity in these public spaces. Today, Plymouth Hoe remains a gathering place where people from all walks of life converge, transforming it into a site that reflects the diversity of contemporary Plymouth.

Voices from the Past and Present: Plymouth’s Identity

A standout strength of Roberts’ work is its combination of historical footage and modern-day reflections from residents, artists, and community members. This approach reveals that public spaces like Plymouth Hoe are not static but evolve alongside the people who inhabit them.

The 1970s skateboarding scene on the Hoe was more than just a passing trend; it represented a broader cultural shift. For many young people, especially those from working-class backgrounds, skateboarding became a tool for self-expression and a way to assert their presence in the public sphere. The film emphasises that this period marked a significant change in how public spaces could be used to express identity and foster community, particularly for those excluded from mainstream culture.

Contemporary voices in Plymouth Hoe bridge the past and present, showcasing how people continue to reclaim public spaces once dominated by a singular narrative. These spaces have always been sites of contestation, where individuals have fought to challenge power structures and reshape cultural meanings. The film also highlights women in skate culture, with local artist Sue Lewry reflecting on how skateboarding at the Hoe challenges traditional ideas about mothers and older women participating in subcultures.

Reclaiming Space, Reclaiming Identity

In Plymouth Hoe, Roberts invites us to reflect on how communities evolve, reshape their identities, and use public spaces to reflect a more inclusive and diverse future. The film challenges us to think of spaces like Plymouth Hoe as living entities, capable of holding both memory and transformation.

Roberts’ exploration of Plymouth Hoe as a site for skate culture, community connection, and cultural expression offers a compelling narrative about the power of public spaces. These spaces are not just physical locations; they are sites of renewal, and collective action, where different voices come together to create new cultural meanings.

Looking to the Future: Reclaiming the Legacy of Plymouth Hoe

As the film highlights the changing nature of Plymouth Hoe, it raises important questions about the future of public spaces. How can we continue to decolonise spaces to make them more inclusive for diverse communities? How can we create new spaces of belonging that reflect the identities of modern society?

Megan Roberts’ Plymouth Hoe contributes significantly to these conversations, offering valuable insights into how spaces—whether physical, cultural, or historical—can be transformed to better reflect the diversity of the people who use them.

Discover More

• Find out more about Megan Roberts by reading our Spotlight article
• Find out about the Reimagining the Film Archive programme

Image credits

Banner: Video still from Plymouth Hoe, 2024, Megan Roberts
Image 1: Video still from Plymouth Hoe, 2024, Megan Roberts
Image 2: Sports day races, Plymouth Hoe, 1965, The Box Moving image collection.