Be-longing, Coventry 31 October - 1 November
The effects of homelessness and the plight of refugees has been an issue since ancient times and is no less a problem in society today than in history. However, whilst governments and organisations have to look at the ‘big picture’ of statistics and the global solutions, we as artists can represent their voice by a cathartic message through the medium of story about individuals, that we hope will reach hearts and minds and perhaps more ‘subversively’ be able to catalyse change in mindsets of individuals and society.
Crossing Over (by Mary Scott)
Petra, a young woman from a tiny barely-known country turns up at the desk of Immigration Officer, Margaret Denton, to claim asylum in the UK. Margaret, a worn-out, overworked cynic barely tries to fulfil her duty to this young woman, but Petra starts to get under her skin. Whilst battling with bureaucracy, the emotionally charged stories of the women start to emerge, having an unexpected effect on both their lives. Exploring themes of faith, hope and love. (drama approx. 30 mins, R12+)
Recycle: Disposable Lives? (by Danny Scott Pointzero Physical Theatre)
Three characters are found rummaging through rubbish bins on the street. It transpires that the rubbish is representative of each of the individuals' fractured hopes and dreams - ‘jig-saw pieces’ of their life-stories. Each life-story unfolds before us with tangible humour and sadness, hope and hopelessness, hurt, joyfulness and tender beauty, expressed through a compelling fusion of physical-theatre, contemporary dance, monologue, poetry, mime and symbolism. Recycle: Disposable Lives? explores the questions of isolation, value and human fragility and belief through the tragi-beauty life stories of the characters. Will these lives continue to be side-lined and considered disposable by society, or can they be recycled and restored to value and meaning? (approx. 60 mins: dance, mime, physical theatre, multimedia)