Red Ladder Theatre Company

'Nor Any Drop' Schools/Community Cultural Package.

A project…a production… a digital journey.

From the North of England… to Bangladesh…and back again. FutureDesh is happening now.
Join us!

What is 'Nor Any Drop'?

'Nor any Drop' is a moving theatre piece that has emerged from a bigger project called the 'FutureDesh' project. FutureDesh began with a research trip to Bangladesh to explore how climate change is affecting the country. We met many people along the way who inspired us through their bravery and hope to share their story and educate young people in Britain about the real affects of climate change and how we can work together to raise awareness and reduce these affects.

We worked with communities in Oldham and schools across Greater Manchester to enable young people to explore the issues surrounding climate change issues in Bangladesh in fun and creative workshops and with the help of Nick Ahad; a professional writer and journalist, 'Nor any Drop' was born out of these ideas and characters created.

'FutureDesh' is not just a project, it is an artistic portfolio of constantly evolving work and research that is enabling people across Britain to connect with and work with Bangladesh and its citizens to creatively explore the issues surrounding climate change.

We are now offering schools & community groups the opportunity to experience the work produced so far and to engage with this exciting project through our exciting workshop package.

What is the Cultural package?

Our comprehensive learning package available to schools & community consists of:

·        1 climate change and global justice workshop to teachers/ youth workers and peer mentors/ senior young people.

This workshop can be held in September or October 2011 and can last between 1 and 2 hours. The aim of this workshop is to provide the group with learning resources and practical skills and knowledge to support young people before, during and after the package has been facilitated.

·        2 performances of 'Nor any Drop'

'Nor any Drop' was written by British Bengali professional writer and journalist Nick Ahad after a research trip to Bangladesh. The play follows the lives of three disparate characters and how their lives are connected through the effects of Climate change. Meet Moshir. a 15 year old British Bengali who's parents take him on a trip to Bangladesh to understand his heritage after a flood in England leaves his house and possessions ruined. X is the rebel poet fisherman who risks his life on the Bangladeshi seas trying to feed his family despite the rising water levels and decreasing levels of fish in the sea. Finally there is Joneka, trying desperately to gain a space in the CLP; a housing project for families in Bangladesh who's lives have been devastated by floods. Joneka and her three children have lost three homes due to floods and have only hopes of one day reaching higher ground.

'Nor any Drop' lasts for 40 minutes and is suitable for all secondary schools aged pupils. We are offering to perform this powerful drama twice in one day to ensure that as many pupils as possible have the opportunity to experience these stories.

·        One Global Justice workshop for up to 20 pupils

It is becoming increasingly clear that in order for future generations to survive and thrive, changes need to be made in how the world works. Climate change and oil depletion are just two of the many factors that are forcing us to wake up and find a new way that supports the needs of ourselves and the environment now and for years into the future. For us to meet this challenge we all need to get involved - we need to learn what needs to be done and how to work together effectively.

The ‘Global Justice’ programme uses games, role play, reflection and group discussion to engage, inspire and equip people of all ages to fulfill their potential as positive social change advocates within their schools and local communities. This can be tailored to suit your needs and lasts between 1 to 2 hours.

·        Involvement in an evolving project and ongoing support for your young people

'FutureDesh' is evolving and as part of the project we will be touring a second play Nationally around Theatres. Schools are young people are encouraged to remain connected with the development of this project by joining a 'FutureDesh' group on Peshkar's online platform and resource space. Teachers and students can access learning resources and information relating to the project and can engage with the wider artistic online community. Pupils and teachers can share their own artistic responses to the project and can also access a range of artistic opportunities that are regularly advertised, enabling Peshkar and Red Ladder to continue to support young people in their creative development.

What are the benefits of this Cultural package?

There are numerous benefits from this project. These include:

·        'Nor Any Drop' easily fits into the National Curriculum PHSE and citizenship agendas and it is encouraged that staff pass on the learning resources to other staff members

·        'Nor Any Drop' can be performed during the school day or out of school hours and workshop durations, ages and numbers of young people are flexible to suit the needs of your community.

·        Young people and staff will learn crucial facts and information about climate change and how we can work together to reduce it's affects in the future. This carefully designed workshop package facilitates learning for teachers and students in an enjoyable, meaningful and sustainable way.

·        'FutureDesh' is a constantly evolving project that is being shaped by professional artists, people affected by climate change and young people. This ensures that it remains realistic and meaningful to all involved and facilitates high learning possibilities.

·        'FutureDesh' is an international project that connects people together from across the globe in a socially conscious dialogue. The stories explored are those of real life people and pupils and teachers will get the opportunity to connect with characters such as these through social and digital media.

·        'FutureDesh' is being facilitated by Peshkar Productions and Red Ladder and is providing schools and community groups with the opportunity to work with professional, experienced high quality artists who are experts in their art forms.

Who is it suitable for?

'Nor Any Drop' is Ideal for year 9, 10 &11 but we are happy to tailor the package to suit the needs of the school or community group. The young people taking part in this project can be of mixed year groups or all from the same year. This will be discussed before each cultural package.

When is 'Nor Any Drop' available?

The workshops for staff and peer mentors will be conducted in September 2011 and 'Nor Any Drop' performance and workshop for young people will be toured around schools across Lancashire and Yorkshire in October & November 2011.

Cost

This workshop package has been specially designed to ensure that pupils and staff gain the most benefit from the project. Peshkar Productions and Red Ladder Theatre Company are working together and sharing resources and as such can offer one staff workshop, two performances of 'Nor Any Drop' and a young peoples global justice workshop for only £750+vat

Rates can be negotiated depending on the package needed for the school/community group.

Technical Requirements

Technical requirements can be discussed in further detail upon booking the workshops. We can conduct the workshops in a large, empty classroom with plug sockets a projector (if possible.) For the performance of 'Nor Any Drop' we require a large hall (or a theatre space if possible) plug sockets, a projector if possible and ideally a stage.

I'm interested! What next?

Please email or phone Stefanie Gascoigne; Touring Manager stef@redladder.co.uk or 0113 245 5311.
Stefanie will be happy to discuss the project with you and answer any queries you may have.