Press Contact: Chris Baker
chris.baker@theatreroyal.com
Theatre Royal Plymouth has teamed up with Cardboard Citizens to launch a series of hands-on workshops for people affected by homelessness and housing insecurity.
The project, Cardboard Camps, consists of weekly workshops, followed by a week-long course. Participants will be trained in Forum Theatre, to create an original devised performance at TRP’s production and learning centre TR2. In the process, all those who take part will earn a certified qualification.
It is being run by Cardboard Citizens, a London-based theatre organisation that aims to raise awareness, increase understanding, and challenge society’s perceptions of homelessness. Their Cardboard Camps project has had an impact on cities across the UK, initiating conversations about what needs to be changed to address social inequality locally.
Following a pause in activity in 2020 due to the pandemic, Cardboard Citizens are now returning to Plymouth to once more challenge stigmas associated with homelessness.
The project began with three introductory workshops in February and March. This will be followed by a one-week intensive from 14-18 March, and ending with a devised performance on 18 March.
Adam Kazmi, 18, is taking part in Cardboard Camps. He is currently living in temporary accommodation. He said:
“Getting a chance to portray your side of the story is something I don’t think a lot of people get to do, especially so young. People don’t really understand what it is when people say ‘we’re homeless’ and maybe we could do something about that. Even just to get one person to change their perspective, I think it could go a long way.”
Sarah Levinsky is a Cardboard Camps facilitator. She said:
“I’m loving working with this group, it’s been a total joy. Just coming into this space and being able to work together, to have fun, create and explore themselves creatively seems really important. It also gives them a voice for them to say what they want to say.”
Tickets are available for the Cardboard Camps devised performance at TR2 here: bit.ly/CCPlym
Watch the video here: