The idea
Wallsend-based Wild Roses Theatre Group CIC have teamed up with Samantha’s Legacy, (a local charity set up to support families and victims of knife crime in memory of an 18 year old first time mother killed by a random stranger at a party) with the aim of producing a theatre piece based on the story of Sam’s murder to be delivered in local community venues
We’ll involve a mixed aged range of people (often with experience of anxiety, depression and other low mental health) from the community local community as amateurs working with a core of professionals, to learn performance and other rear of house theatre skills in a real production performed in their own community, about an issue that affects their everyday lives
What we'll deliver
- Workshops
- Write a new knife crime drama ( play)
- Deliver the play to community audiences of around 800 people
- Tackle mental health issues via performance
Why it's a great idea
Using drama can often be the most effective and accessible way to explore an issue that can affect a whole community but is otherwise difficult to address. By involving people from the local community we’ll promote ownership and buy-in to engagement with and discussion of the issues the drama confronts by the families and friends of those taking part, while also providing working experience of the dramatic arts in a supportive and inclusive way to people who may otherwise not have the confidence to experience theatre
Steps to get it done
- Write the play
- Recruit members of the local community
- Deliver knife crime workshops
- Supply costumes and props
- Link with self help groups for victims of knife crime
We’ll write the piece, recruit members of the local community to fit the roles involved (both acting and rear of house), book venues for performance, produce props/costumes/scenery to suit, then rehearse the drama, advertise it via social media and our contacts with Samantha’s Legacy and local Community Police, and when ready, perform it at community venues and provide knife-crime workshops at the same time
