Hertfordshire Inclusive Theatre joins Chickenshed's SeaChange project

3:57pm Friday 9th May 2008

CHILDREN from across Hertfordshire now have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings through taking part in a global drama project set up by Chickenshed theatre company, being run locally by The Hertsmere Inclusive Theatre Project (HIT).

The project, called SeaChange, is based on a conversation between children from all the continents. Young people are sharing their stories, voicing their concerns and telling how they wish to change the future of the world. Their experiences will become part of the SeaChange story, which will culminate in a series of performances across the globe. Chickenshed will be performing its piece in London in July with all the local group pieces projected on to screens.

Collette McPhee from HIT has been touring local schools to raise awareness about the project. She says: "The young people I work with have a variety of disabilities, which is why I believe the theatre group is so important. It gives all children and teenagers the opportunity to participate in dance, drama and music in an inclusive environment. Those with special needs learn and perform alongside children from mainstream schools and all are valued for their capabilities and contribution to the group."

To date, Collette has hosted drama workshops for schoolchildren at St Michael's, Queens' and Bushey Heath Primary.

Collette points out to me that because of the nature of the SeaChange project, new members aged between seven and 18 can join in at any time.

"We're collecting answers to a set of questions set by Chickenshed," says Collette. "We've been workshopping through most of the 15 questions, which vary from things like how would you like your world to look?' to what is your biggest hope?'.

"When we did what would you like to change?' we had great fun with the children coming up with answers such as if there was a smelly person they'd put him or her in a bath.

"When we asked what does SeaChange mean to you?', it started off with money and changes in the weather and went on to how the sea can change from calm and placid to dangerous. We talked about how the sea goes in and out and how can we get fears out and pull back our hopes.

"Whatever we cover in the workshop will be in the show itself so it doesn't become a boring rehearsal situation as they don't know they're actually putting the show together in the workshops. This is particularly good for group members such as David who is so bright he could learn a script in a week."

Collette tells me she has six volunteers from Watford girls' grammar school who regularly help out with the group.

"They came to us because they were doing their Duke of Edinburgh award and they've chosen to stay on and help out.

"Being part of this project will help them to understand about what being inclusive is. We are all one and no one is excluded."

Details: 01923 499310, www.hitproject.co.uk, www.chickenshed.org.uk

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