engaging refugee audiences
We recognise and understand barriers to accessing the arts. We have been proud to welcome multiple refugee and asylum seeking groups to our shows, which for the majority has been their first time ever visiting the theatre. We always run a discount ticket deal for refugees and asylum seekers, and will make sure our friends locally and nationally are aware of this deal. Almost a quarter of our audience have lived experience of the asylum system.
However, we know that cheap tickets are not the only way to ensure our shows are accessible.
We also:
Provide pre-show talks to support understanding of the show and the theatre experience
Have ESOL friendly resources on-hand for reference through the show
Where possible provide translation support with the help of our actors
Offer post-show workshops to explore the themes of our plays
Our shows are made by and for those with a forced migration experience. So whilst they might touch on personal experiences that some may share, the co-creation of our work means the material is handled sensitively. Those with lived experience of the issues leave our shows feeling recognised, validated and represented.
At the end of our shows we love meeting all of our audience members, but make sure to say hello to refugee groups first. Usually this is followed by an impromptu photo shoot and lots of selfies with our actors!
Some comments from refugee groups are below:
‘I like their confidence. Especially their emotions while acting, this is my first time watching here and I enjoyed it a lot.’
‘This was my story. You told my story’
‘My family went through similar events and I really liked how you guys created the scene. Very impressive.’
‘You make me happy and a little of crying because I remember when I was in France I remember my hard days but I will see you again’
‘It was an amazing experience for the boys and they were so absorbed in the events of the evening. It was fantastic for them to have the chance to go up on stage and meet the cast. It was so encouraging for them to meet guys who had similar stories and see these acted out with frankness, positivity and a good laugh! We hadn't been too sure what to expect, including me, but it exceeded our expectations and we had the time of our lives.’ (Secondary School teacher)
We encourage refugee groups to visit our ‘book a workshop’ page to find out how Phosphoros Theatre could work with your group.