An innovative theatre production, crafted directly from the voices of young children, is set to tour schools in at-risk areas of London, thanks to a significant grant from the London Freemasons. Chickenshed's "Day 1 - Big School" is a powerful piece of educational theatre that confronts critical issues of bullying, exploitation, and gang recruitment head-on.
A Production Born from Children's Voices
The entire concept and script for "Day 1 - Big School" were created and devised around the words and opinions of 1,000 primary school-age children. These young participants shared their candid insights on how to foster safer educational environments, free from negative influences, bullying, and exploitation. Their collective voice forms the heart of this impactful project.
Using Drama to Navigate Difficult Transitions
Through a dynamic blend of dance, music, rap, and drama, the production portrays the journey of two young cousins in search of the safest school possible. It tackles these challenging societal issues in a manner that is accessible to young audiences, encouraging open conversation and discussion within a positive, supportive setting. An accompanying workshop complements the performance, promoting key learning outcomes and fostering children's understanding of what truly constitutes a safe and inclusive space.
Grant Funding for Targeted Outreach
The project has received a substantial boost from a £7,850 grant provided by the London Freemasons. This funding will enable Chickenshed to visit, perform, and educate children in schools located in at-risk areas and for those in vulnerable situations.
Paul Morrall, Executive Director of Education Training and Outreach at Chickenshed, explained the mission: "We will perform and educate children in ways to avoid exploitation, the early stages of potential gang recruitment, bullying and group bullying alongside other barriers to their inclusion in school in general and secondary school in particular."
A Direct Response to Community Concerns
Morrall highlighted that the transition between primary and secondary school is often identified as a period of heightened difficulty, alienation, and risk. "The transition is often identified as one of the periods of difficulty, alienation and exploitation by gangs and/or abusers. Chickenshed's production and project was created as a direct response to information from police, education and social services," he stated.
The initiative is designed as a proactive safeguarding tool. "We will use the project as a safeguarding tool which meets the best education standards and which can be disseminated to wide target groups," Morrall added. A key message will be reiterated to schools and young people: to look for ways to communicate regularly with trusted persons and mentors, especially when asking vital questions about safeguarding, exploitation, and bullying.
Building Safer Communities in London
Paul King from the London Freemasons emphasised the broader community impact of such work. "Creating safe environments, free of bullying and exploitation for children is vital to improving the communities that we all live and work within in London. We are very proud to support the work that Chickenshed does and the results that they create for the community," he said.
This collaboration between a pioneering theatre company and a charitable organisation underscores a committed effort to address pressing social issues through the arts, aiming to create tangible, positive change for young people in the capital.
