Performing Arts students are exploring migration, racism and prejudice as part of a creative collaboration with Wolverhampton’s acclaimed Gazebo Theatre company.
Professional actor Jannette Barrett got into character during a live-streamed workshop to share the experiences of Connie, who travelled to the UK from Jamaica during the Windrush era in the 1940s.
Students ‘hot-seated’ Connie about her experiences which Janette - whose father Anthony Augustine Joseph was one of the few Black Navy Officers to receive a Commendation from Winston Churchill during WW2 - answered in character.
Fellow actor Dennis Ffrench - whose mother came to England from Jamaica as part of the Windrush generation - facilitated the virtual workshop.
The event is part of the theatre company’s More Than A Moment project, which is enabling students across the region to explore the important themes around migration, and the prejudice experienced by people in the UK.
Students from Year 8 and 9 will now produce their own creative work - from dance, drama, music or poetry - based on the themes raised in the workshop, which will be uploaded to the company’s online More Than A Moment gallery.
Students in Year 9 will also be collaborating on a performance which will be performed to parents virtually.
The More Than A Moment project follows on from the company’s hugely successful programme called ‘Sorry! No Coloureds, No Irish, No Dogs’ which saw the actors tour schools and community groups with live performances highlighting the experiences of the Windrush generation.
Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Windrush Day Grant Programme, the More Than A Moment project gives students and groups the chance to explore their artistic response to the theme of Windrush which will be celebrated and shared in the online gallery.
Ms S Bishop, Highfields’ Director of Performance, said: “The workshop was really enlightening and a great way for students to learn more about the experiences of the Windrush generation, the prejudices they faced and the positive impact they made to Britain’s illustrious history.
“Our students got so much out of the event and they have been inspired to now work on their own creative art - whether it be dance, drama or music - which will be shared in Gazebo Theatre’s online gallery.”
Students have also been able to ask Jannette and Dennis about their professional lives and experiences as part of the school’s celebrations to mark National Careers Week.
