It has been my modus operandi to seek out theatre projects around the world by myself, and these have frequently developed from personal contacts. But even these have to be developed from somewhere, so I have also used organised volunteer sites.It was through volunteering for the Syrian refugee charity Jusoor’s summer school program. That led to us meeting Conor, and it was through contacts of his that I was able to lead two more projects, in Lesbos and Ethiopia.
Similarly, it was through the organisation “Workaway” that I found SPA College in Dhangadhi, where I spent over four months last year. And it was through them that I went to Lucknow, India, accompanying a group of students to a performing arts festival held at City Montessori School (officially the largest school in the world.)
And this year, in just under two weeks time, Val and I will be flying out there to start a new theatre project.
All very normal, in all sorts of ways. But there again, so very different. Always, up till now, it has been me who has initiated the meeting, set out the proposal, and contributed in some way to the cost of the project. This has varied from project to project, but has included my own flight, accommodation, food, even the production costs in one case. But this year, it is me who has been approached, head-hunted if you will… with the result that neither Val nor I will be paying for any of this. It really is quite a turnaround, but, (at least for the present project) a most welcome one.
But in other ways, it is all very much a familiar pattern, in which I arrive, get to know the students, cast the play, rehearse and perform… all within a pretty restricted time period, so I shall have to hit the ground running. But since the school is the organisation that is commissioning this, it has become clear that they will provide me with the time and resources I need in order to make it work.
The production is one that I know well, since I wrote it, and have directed it in three separate productions. It is Aesop, my adaptation of a large number of his fables, slotted together in a sort of animal soap opera. It has always worked well before, so I am reasonably confident it will do so again, though I am looking forward to seeing what differences putting it into an Indian context will make.
… all good stuff wishing you all good luck but bloody hell its going to be a bit warm out there…
Congratulations, Chris and Val! Another chance to work with young people. Are these people refugees or students (or refugee students)?