A day of performance, workshops & debates hosted by Work in Progress.
On the Road to Belonging, created by Work in Progress and funded by Arts Council England, is a multi-art form event supporting young people and children in exploring themes of belonging taking place on Wednesday 1st June, 12noon–8pm at mac birmingham.
As part of the event WiP will present a brand new piece of theatre, Belonging. Aimed at audiences aged 14years+ Belonging introduces two groups of characters desperately trying to find a place to belong as their lives hang in the balance.
We hear the stories of five people brought together by circumstance. Sleeping in a cardboard city of secrets, fears and anxieties which fuel the unquenchable fire they encamp around at night. As reality hits they discover that the fire is not the only thing awake at night. In the meantime a band of space travellers desperately search for a place to land. They are passed from pillar to post between inflexible regimes, changing opening times, unwilling citizens and a government in chaos.
Ruth Richardson, Director WiP said: “As we increasingly live not just in England but as citizens of the world the Work in Progress team have been debating what ‘belonging’ means to individuals, communities and society as a whole. So far we have been amazed and overwhelmed by the stories uncovered that have helped to create our new play and will inform our On the Road to Belonging event at mac Birmingham. I hope you will join us to explore this important issue.”
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, added: “Every young person should have opportunities to take part in and enjoy arts and culture, which is why we’re delighted to be investing in On the Road to Belonging. It will be a great opportunity for young people in Birmingham to see a new piece of theatre exploring issues relevant to the world today.”
As well as presenting Belonging the day will include workshops, seminars, debates and stalls all exploring themes of Belonging investigating five topics including homelessness, immigration/migration, mental health and wellbeing, equality and belonging as a whole and the importance of these for young people and children. The whole event is open to audiences of all ages.
Free to attend, On the Road to Belonging events will take place as follows:
12noon – 4pm
12.00 noon: Welcome from the WiPsters in the Foyle Studio
12.20-13.00: Belonging performance (Foyle Studio)
13.00-14.00: Debates, workshops and fun things round 1 (various spaces at mac)
14.00-14.15: Break
14.15-15.15: Debates, workshops and fun things round 2 (various spaces at mac)
14.15-16.00: Belonging round up
18:30 – 20:30 (all in the Foyle Studio)
18.30-19.00: Performances from some of Birmingham’s best.
19.00-19.40: Belonging Performance
19.40-20.30: Drinks and conversation
Belonging will be shared in the Foyle Studio at the mac on 1st June at 12.20pm and 7pm. For tickets contact mac Box Office: 0121 446 3232 or head to www.macbirmingham.co.uk/event/wip-belonging .
For tickets to the whole event RSVP here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/on-the-road-to-belonging-tickets-22539132151