Local4Global

Global Citizens Theatre Project
During the academic year 2006-2007, Kent and the Wider World worked on an exciting project with Theatre Company Thirty Three and a Third and a group of year 10 pupils at Brockhill Park Performing Arts College.The project which was funded by Oxfam explored issues of Global Citizenship using a theatre technique developed by Brazilian theatre specialist Augosto Boal.

The aim of the project was to support the teaching of global citizenship through the use of forum theatre. It was delivered through a regular period of an hour each week over the course of two terms.Initial sessions included activities designed to build trust, gauge the young people's knowledge and awareness of global issues, and introduce global citizenship concepts.We then began the process of theatre using various games and exercises to develop confidence, cooperation and support within the group, spontaneity and creativity.

Forum theatre works most effectively when those involved as the actors and audience have a stake in the piece of theatre and can identify with the issues. The students were therefore encouraged to develop stories based on their personal experiences. These ideas were turned into two short plays, which the students continued to rehearse after school hours. This project culminated with a piece of forum theatre performed by students at an in-service training day (INSET) held in summer 2006 at Brockhill College with an audience of around 70 teachers, students, development education practitioners and other educators. The project had a positive impact on the students involved including improved listening skills, increased confidence, better cooperation and team work, greater understanding of and ability to deal with conflicts, and improved behaviour in school and at home. The project also formed part of the programme of study of the participants' drama GCSE course

“Forum theatre allows children to put themselves in the position of others. They consider what they would do or feel when confronted by situations. It allows children to have opinions and say what they feel, there is no right or wrong response and it allows those children who struggle with literacy to articulate their feelings”. Teacher comment

Following the project we were able to put together a resource booklet for teachers and workshop leaders on using the technique in a classroom context.

From Spectators to Spect-actors: using forum theatre to explore global citizenship. A resource booklet for teachers, youth workers and facilitators

This resource introduces teachers, youth workers and others to the concepts of global citizenship and forum theatre. It includes step-by-step session plans with information on getting started, warm-up games, exercises and activities.The booklet is suitable for youth workers and teachers at Key Stages 2-4 in Citizenship, Drama, English, Geography, PSHE, RE and cross-curricular work as well as development education and theatre-in-education practitioners.Forum theatre as a participatory form of theatre is a powerful tool to explore global citizenship.

To receive a complimentary printed copy of the resource booklet (while stocks last) please email info@kww.org.uk

How do udu?
A collaborative cross-curricular project in music, art and global citizenship

Aims · To explore and challenge stereotypes, particularly of countries of the South · To learn about trade justice issues · To learn about the history of the udu, the communities from which it originates, and its contemporary contexts · To explore conflict resolution issues, and how the udu has been used for healing in this context · To encourage and enable participants to reflect upon social justice issues in their own lives and respond creatively · To develop design and technology/craft skills by making and decorating an udu · To develop musical abilities by playing and listening to the udu

Summary
How do udu? was an innovative, collaborative and cross curricular pilot project in music and global citizenship, focused on the making and playing of the udu. Traditionally a water carrier from Nigeria, the udu, a clay vessel, has developed into an enchanting musical instrument, which has been used in a variety of healing and creative contexts.

The project brought together teachers and pupils from seven schools to work with a renowned South African musician, and Udu making expert potter. A series of workshops took place in schools and at Commonwork, a study centre on an organic farm at Bore Place in Kent, where there is a tradition of working with Wealden clay, and where environmental and arts education programmes are well-established.

Through the hands-on making and playing of their own udu, participants explored issues around interdependence, co-operation, trade justice, race equality and conflict resolution.

Expertise in these issues was provided by Kent and the Wider World. Elements of symbolism were also be explored and woven into the udu decoration with Commonwork’s support.

Finally, participants created their own performance pieces and came together to sing, dance and play their udus in a shared celebration. Learning was disseminated through in-service training with teachers and other adults in education.

With the support of Kent and Medway LEAs, the project involved seven schools on this exciting pilot in the academic year 2005-06. The schools are mostly secondary, but also include one primary and two special schools.

Kent and the Wider World is a Commonwork Project