The Power of Theatre

When I grew up, my city had a really excellent youth theatre and I was lucky enough to do my two week work experience there when I was about 15. Drama as a subject doesn't play as much a role as here, it is more incorporated when teaching literature. But all students would regularly do trips to see plays that were part of the curriculum and theatres would have an education unit - that was one of the careers I was considering actually. I, personally, was never that drawn to acting itself - despite annoying my colleagues these days with my love of role plays during Inset days (I just get bored otherwise) - writing was more my thing.

Near where I teach, we have Chickenshed where a few of our students go and I knew that they were very inclusive so I invited them to a disability event I had organised in July. Only afterwards did it click for me that Haringey Shed is doing similar work and in my quest to understand youth work and disability in Haringey, I reached out. Love myself a professional organisation with people responding reliably :) 10 out of 10 for Haringey Shed.

Today's Youth

I was very happy when the team was very keen to include one of the young people! I always think kids get such a bad rep with so many pressures. Isaac struggled to join us and then his connection wasn't great but he was so kind and friendly that I tried to keep as much in as possible.

I also really enjoyed hearing Aran's perspective of having grown up without seeing a director like himself and how important representation across the board is. It was encouraging to hear from both how the organisation genuinely includes kids in the decision making.

Looking forward to their bonanza of events in 2025!

Website: https://www.haringeyshed.org/