Cultures
Club (young people’s workshops and performance)
was formed in 2006 and recruited young people through BME community groups,
SEAL teachers,
and schools. The organisation is currently training twelve volunteer
trainees age 14-18, from a variety of cultures and backgrounds,
in "world
theatre" skills, including physical and object theatre, African
drumming, circus skills, dance, rap, song-writing and
a-capella singing. The trainees have been working with a range
of professional artists including
members of Unpacked Theatre and Batafon Arts, to develop
collaborative skills and self-confidence. Each trainee has an artist
mentor and they
will in turn become peer motivators and mentors themselves.
In March '08 Cultures Club young trainees devised and produced the second Freedom show which took place at Sallis Benney Theatre. Produced by young people for young people, over 60 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds and with wide ranging creative skills presented an inspiring event that featured live bands, dance, music, spoken word and theatre – all based on the theme of Freedom. The following were all involved in the production:
Feedback on Freedom by Youth
Cultures
Club Theatre and Music Group members performed their devised
dramatic piece Natasha, based on a true story, with original
music. The Freedom
by Youth concert was its second showing as a work in progress
and the group now hope to take the piece to the Big Youth Theatre
Festival in
July. The music group performed the Freedom Fighters song
they composed themselves.
BandBazi
Youth Circus theatre member Samare performed self-penned
spoken word pieces with Cultures Club members Holly and Mo. BandBazi are also
working on a youth production that combines Hip Hop, Circus and Theatre.
AudioActive2 members
Rizzle and Tiger Troops performed their own Hip Hop
and spoken word pieces. Visit the AudioActive2 web.
Respond
Academy members LauRen and SK are singer/songwriters who performed
their own tracks. Other members of RESPOND filmed and recorded the event.
Amandla performed
a unique music set with the band combining Rock and Hip Hop influences.
Sam
and Dan adapted classic music to guitar and sax rhythms
Funkstarz are
a highly trained Hip Hop youth
dance company who performed awe-inspiring,
energetic dance routines that demonstrated a great team
dynamic as well as the many individual talents within the troupe.
Studioscape singers
from Woodingdean had an incredible repertoire of Soul classics sung with
amazingly powerful voices and great confidence.
The
show characterised of some of the very positive collaborations that
have emerged throughout the Redemption Song programme,
with this particular partnership focusing on regional organisations
that facilitate creative
activities to promote the personal, social and cultural development
of young people. The Freedom performances were of a remarkably high
standard to the delight of the audience. The stage presence, confidence,
and ability demonstrated by the young artists belied their ages, and
the feedback signifies that they also inspired some of the younger
people attending to get involved in creative pursuits.
"It’s
just so rare for my kids to get the chance to take part in events
or have such great activities to do in the holidays. They’ve
enjoyed every minute and they can’t wait to get involved
in more. I can’t believe how many people are here
and it's really boosted their confidence no end. They’ve
learnt so much about lots of different cultures. We definitely
need more of these workshops and shows." |
"I’ve
tried for years to find an dance and drama club that I can actually
afford in Brighton; it's been fantastic for them working
together on a project, they’ve gained a lot and they’ve
made lots of new friends from all over Brighton and all over
the world." |
"It's
been so stimulating for my daughter and she definitely wants
to do more, she’s not had much opportunity in the past.
She just loved taking part and the performances were so inspiring,
beautiful costumes, dancing and singing, I don’t know
how you manage it." |
"The
change in his behaviour has been remarkable. It's really
helped him at school and at home too, he’s far more relaxed
and interested in learning." |
"The
Freedom concert was fantastic and it was great that there were
so many different types of music. I loved the Funkstarz
they were amazing, I asked my mum if I can take dance lessons." |
Cultures Club photos by Charlotte Macpherson.
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