The Singing Street

A real cinematic treasure, The Singing Street is a record of a time and experience that is both specific and shared. A group of schoolteachers, led by Nigel McIsaac, film children playing traditional street games. These games take place with natural ease against a backdrop of imposing buildings and adults going about their busy daily lives. Throughout the film, we hear children’s voices singing the rhymes that go with each game — featuring words passed down from generation to generation, in a kind of ritual poetry.