Call out for ‘TWENTY20: Experiences of an Extraordinary Year’
Theatr Iolo are looking for families in Wales to take part in a new project to capture their experiences during the outbreak of COVID-19, both now and once the lockdown measures start to be eased.
The theatre company, who make work for children and young people, are working with artists Tracy Harris and Paul Jenkins to gather a wide range of family experiences, with the hope that one day they can be made into a piece of theatre. The families taking part will have the chance to share their experiences with Tracy and Paul over video call and through some fun activities that they will be asked to do together.
“As one of the leading theatre companies for children and young people in Wales, exploring themes that are relevant to children and young people, is at the very heart of what we do. Through sharing stories, we seek to support them to navigate the complex, and sometimes confusing, world in which they live. This ambition has never been more relevant than it is now. It’s so important during this time that we listen to young people and hear about their concerns and worries, but also their hopes and desire to be agents for change. Future generations will want to look back and hear about what it was like during this time. It’s our responsibility to make sure that young people’s experiences are recorded and we’re so excited to be working alongside Tracy and Paul to make this happen.”
Lee Lyford, Artistic Director
Tracy Harris and Paul Jenkins, who work under the name Theatr3, were part of Theatr Iolo’s Platfform project in 2016, where they created Twenty16, an original, raw and powerful piece of theatre, created and made with teenagers that traced their journey from childhood to adulthood. They also recently took part in Theatr Iolo’s New Writing project in 2018/19 where they interviewed children and young people about a wide range of issues from current affairs through to their own personal aspirations. This was developed into a short-rehearsed reading that was performed at the Sherman Theatre last autumn. As Tracy and Paul were in the process of deciding where to take the piece next, COVID-19 hit, schools closed their doors to most learners and the pair realised this presented a new opportunity.
“We are passionate about giving young people and families a chance to express their experiences creatively and explore their connections to each other and the outside world at this unique time”
Tracy Harris and Paul Jenkins (Theatr3)
In the next stage of research and development, Tracy and Paul are keen to develop this further, giving voice to young people and families in Wales under lockdown. Theatr Iolo are excited to support Tracy and Paul with the next stage of development and to capture the voice of children and the adults in their family during this tumultuous time.
We’re looking for families from all backgrounds, that have at least one child aged between 6-16. We are keen to represent a range of experiences and the full geography of Wales: from homes with family members who are currently isolating, to those who are still attending school due to their parents being key workers... and anyone in-between!
If you’re interested in taking part in the project please complete the following Application and Equal Opportunities forms and email them to hello@theatriolo.com
The families who are invited to participate will be offered a £20 gift voucher and 4 free tickets for each future performance by Theatr Iolo within the next calendar year (subject to availability).
Participants will be selected based on their circumstances in order to ensure we reflect a broad range of experiences.
The deadline for applications is Thursday 21 May. We will get in touch with all applicants by Tuesday 26 May to let you know if you have been selected.
Application Form (ENGLISH)
Application Form (WELSH)
Equal Opportunities Form (ENGLISH)
Equal Opportunities Form (WELSH)
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash