Arc news: September 2010
Boy X for London Week of Peace 2010 and Arc's new initiative - Pact
Autumn term kicks off with a new start for Boy X by Clifford Oliver, directed by Carole Pluckrose.
Commencing with a series of performance and discussion programmes for Kingston College funded by Kingston REC, Arc's highly-acclaimed anti-weapon play continues to tour this month for London Week of Peace. With funding support from Barking & Dagenham Partnership, the Borough's Secondary Schools are now taking up an exclusive 50% discount on a one-day programme.
"When I saw the play Boy X , it spoke to me. Here were four young men who have been there, with whom their peers can identify. There is no better way to speak to these young people. We've tried lectures, analysis, but we haven't done it like this before. These young men who have experienced this can share directly what has caused them to change."
John Azah OBE - Director, Kingston Race Equality Council and Vice Chair, Metropolitan Police IAG
As part of the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham's Peace Week celebrations, events also include a short performance of Boy X in the Town Centre at midday on Wednesday 22, followed by a full public performance at The Broadway Barking on Thursday 23 September. Hosted by Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Matt Bell, the performance will be followed by a post-show panel discussion, with VIP guests including Arc's Patron, Neville Lawrence OBE. The audience will include local Councillors including The Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor Nirmal Singh Gill, representatives from the Metropolitan Police and CJS, and students and teachers from local schools and youth organisations. To book tickets, visit The Broadway Barking.
Boy X is now available for block-booking in secondary schools across London - call Theresa at Arc on 020 8594 1095 now to find out more.
Boy X Briefing Document (PDF, 260k)
Introducing Pact by Clifford Oliver
Boy X playwright Clifford Oliver is currently researching and writing his new play Pact which comes as a direct response to audience discussions following Boy X. The play enters the challenging and taboo area of 'snitching' and the wall of silence that sometimes prevents identification and conviction of offenders.
Working in partnership with the British Transport Police Young People's Advisory Group and the Millwall Kickz project, Olly is in the middle of a fascinating, heated and complex conversation with young people about loyalty, trust and the human instinct to 'close ranks'. The play's central character, Ethan will face an almost impossible personal dilemma that will test him like never before...
To find out more, Carole Pluckrose or call 020 8594 1095.
Also for the new academic year...
Crossing Over by Clifford Oliver, directed by Carole PluckroseCrossing Over - Arc's road safety awareness performance programme originally commissioned for Camden Road Safety Team, is now available for booking for Years 7 and over in the autumn term. Call 020 8594 1095 to find out more.
"In response to our consultation with young people and parents, in 2009 we commissioned Arc to develop a new road safety programme for secondary schools. 'Crossing Over' by Clifford Oliver is an urban drama that challenges young people to make the right choices on the roads. Arc performed the drama with interactive workshop to over 1200 students in Camden schools with professionalism, and feedback to the project has been very encouraging. We are very pleased to be working in schools with Arc again in 2010 to deliver this valuable safety resource."
Camden Public Safety Team
Crossing Over publicity (PDF, 463k)
Speak Up devised by Jim Dunk
Speak Up - raising GCSE English attainment in Barking & Dagenham Schools with London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. Arc is now delighted to be offering every secondary school in the Borough the opportunity to participate in this exclusive new enrichment project from autumn 2010. Teachers can find out how to get involved now by contacting Artistic Director, Carole Pluckrose or call 020 8594 1095.
See page 22 of the Barking & Dagenham News (issue 29) for Arts View column by Jim Dunk.
Speak Up flyer with full details and learning outcomes (PDF, 517k)
