In My Life
In My Life is a linking project where 2
secondary schools worked together intensively over 3 months to
devise and perform a theatre production on the theme of conflict.
This showed clear evidence of all SLN’s aims: 2 groups of students
of different ages (11 – 19), and a mix of ethnic, religious and
socioeconomic backgrounds, have had the opportunity to meet
regularly, to work and play together, with the support of their
teachers and a theatre director and drama therapist. They explored
their own identities through a variety of creative techniques,
showing increasing confidence and ability to express hopes, dreams
and deep fears through a range of media. They bonded as a group and
worked collaboratively to produce a very professional performance
which they performed in a public space.
During the process and
afterwards they have had opportunities to reflect on their learning
about their thoughts and feelings and to find ways of articulating
the inherent contradictions in living with so many layers of
conflict – personal, familial, societal and global – while forming
positive new relationships which give them hope for the future and
confidence to make a positive contribution. Some of these young
people may choose to keep in touch, some won’t, but it was
undoubtedly a positive experience for them all. The question is:
where do we go from here? as everyone agreed this felt like the
beginning of something that could grow and grow and that more
schools would want to experience this, so watch this space…...
Directed by: Iain Bloomfield & Ben Yeger
Performed by: Titus Salt School & Grange Technology
College
Supported by: One to One Children's Fund