Words by Smiley Team
A powerful immersive show is hoping to further support the lives of at-risk young people, as it follows the story of a young care leaver trying to establish herself in the music scene.
It’s produced by The Big House, a charity transforming the lives of care-leavers and at-risk young people using drama combined with long-term support.
The charity supports 16- to 25-year-old care leavers from across London, using mentoring and counselling to help them build the skills and resilience they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Their model of working with socially-excluded care leavers centres on drama – the strict discipline required to produce professional theatre imparts vital transferable skills, such as time-keeping, focus, team working and effective communication.
“Young people in care should not be defined by the scars left by their past experiences, but by their incredible ability to heal," said The Big House founder, Maggie Norris.
(Read more about how The Caring Collective is a powerful space for young carers)
“Only when we truly nurture and inspire these young people, will the link between being in care and offending behaviour, long term unemployment, drug addiction, mental health problems, homelessness and suicide cases be broken," added Maggie. "We, as a society, will reap the wonderful benefits of seeing them flourish.”
The company's new production, Redemption, has brought together a team of young care leavers for a show that represents the company’s ethos of making high-quality artistic work with a social impact.
The story follows explosive Maz and her truth-telling bars, as she rails at the world and runs from a life in care. When she meets Tayo, a gentle soul, with silky smooth vocal folds, they take the first steps of their musical careers, but can they hold on to each other when promised the bright lights of success?
Redemption explores the themes of grief, trauma, family and forgiveness.
(Learn more about this theatre company which is passionate about art and social justice)
The Big House opened its venue in Islington in October 2018. The charity also offers counselling, mentoring and training alongside workshops for young people to unleash their creativity and build confidence. No-one is auditioned, but selected based on need.
“Before I came to The Big House I wasn’t doing anything with my life and I didn’t know what to do," said one person who has received support from the charity. "This project is important because it prepares you for professional life, helping with everything from timekeeping to working with others. The use of drama to help people come out of their shell is really effective”
Another added: “Thank you so much for making me feel human again. I don’t feel like I’m just surviving. I feel like I’m living life!”
Ultimately, The Big House uses theatre to inspire its members and facilitate personal growth - recognising the vulnerability of care leaves, as well as their unplumbed talents, hopes and dreams.
You can book your tickets to see Redemption, or find out more about The Big House’s work on its website.
