public intervention and workshop performances - images by Alice Booth and Sheila Ghelani
Public Intervention
St Nicholas Arcades, Lancaster, 23/24th September 2009
This intervention took place in an empty shop within the St Nicholas Arcades in Lancaster, a shopping centre where Rajni Shah Theatre has previously performed give what you can, take what you need. Passers-by were invited to take part on one of three levels:
-sharing a cup of tea and a biscuit with the company
-using materials provided to write a letter to a stranger which they then exchanged for a letter someone had previously written
-finding out about the company's upcoming weekend workshop (below)
Over fifty people took part in the project and exchanged letters with strangers; several people signed up for the weekend workshop.
followed by...
(It's Going to be) Glorious! workshop
The Gregson Centre, Lancaster, 26/27th September 2009
As part of the development process for Glorious, Rajni Shah Theatre led a two-day open workshop in Lancaster in September 2009. Each participant created a short performance based on autobiographical material. The workshop was facilitated by Lucille Acevedo-Jones, Sheila Ghelani and Rajni Shah.
"On a personal level, it has endowed in me a new level of confidence and self-reliance...To be able to share and open up myself publicly in such a way that, about 2 years ago, I never would've possibly anticipated myself doing that ever. Also, it has made me attentive to what people are saying, how they are saying it..."
"Thank you for a fabulous weekend in Lancaster. You created a fabulous space and energy that enabled me to learn from others and stimulate my mind."
quotes from feedback letters sent by workshop participants
Click here to read Glorious writer Mary Paterson's reflections on these events.
