Navigation was the finale of a Cardboard Citizens' Forum for Change project, working with young refugees and asylum seekers from countries as varied as Iran, Albania, Guinea, Sudan and Eritrea. All are currently living with foster parents in South London.
Added: 30 October 2008
It was a busy summer for our participants: from samba drumming at Bonkersfest to sashaying along the streets of London, here are the highlights...
Added: 30 October 2008
New training course with Sanjoy Ganguly announced! October 23-24 2008, Tara Arts, London
This October Sanjoy Ganguly, founder of the Indian Theatre of the Oppressed company Jana Sanskriti will be visiting London. Cardboard Citizens' is privileged to announce that between October 23 and 24 Sanjoy will be leading a workshop in collaboration with Cardboard Citizens.
A radical activist organization with real roots in the community, Jana Sanskriti is as much a political movement as a forum theatre company. They work predominantly in rural villages, using Augusto Boal's 'Theatre of the Oppressed' techniques to address major issues within the community.
Joker Weekend 11-12 October 2008 - Toynbee Studios, London
Joker Weekend 20-21 November 2008 -Toynbee Studios, London
Forum Theatre Week 3-7 November 2008, London
For more information click here
Added: 13 August 2008
We recently finished a fantastic run of Georg Büchner's
Woyzeck. The play, which ran at the Southwark Playhouse, was well received by press and audiences alike.
"The production is ragged and rough, but its approach is not unsuited to Büchner's fractured writing, and its threadbare aesthetic is poignantly unlovely. Raw but rewarding."
-
The Times
Thank you so much to everyone who attended the performance, we hope you had as good a time as we did! Audience member, Kimberly remarked, "thank you for a great experience and having an interest in marginalized people."
"...An ancient yet true-life tale became as chilling and relevant for today'
s audience as it was when it hit the headlines centuries ago." -The Irish Post
The Forum Theatre sessions, which took place after the conclusion of the play, allowed participants to critically think about what they had just seen. "[It] made me more aware of the symptoms and possible causes of mental health- forum theatre helped place you in the position of the patient," wrote audience member Faye. There were two post show events, a reading of Lenz, and a panel of psychologists, which was extremely successful in engaging the audience with information about schizophrenia.
Added: 16 April 2008
Kate Winslet hosts Delightful Evening - First Annual Cardboard Citizens Fundraising DinnerThe event, held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London's Knightsbridge, was a huge success for us and raised over £130,000. A number of our actors performed for the guests between courses, followed by an auction run by Lars Tharp of the Antiques Roadshow.
A dress designed for Kate Winslet was bought for £20,000 at auction by a mystery bidder and the proceeds will help homeless people in London. The occasion launched Ms Winslet's role as ambassador of Cardboard Citizens, the UK's only homeless people's professional theatre company. The Vivienne Westwood creation, described as a "beautifully flowing deep red number", was sold just one day after the designer showed her collection for the first time in ten years.
Kate said: "I am delighted that the proceeds from the auction of the dress will make such a useful contribution to the wonderful work of Cardboard Citizens with homeless people in London."
Of her new role with the UK's only professional people's theatre company, Kate said:
"I am delighted and proud to be working with Cardboard Citizens as their ambassador. Over the last 16 years they have managed to pull off that very rare trick of producing artistically excellent work that challenges audiences at the same
time as making a real difference to people's lives. No company in the UK better demonstrates the capacity of theatre to transform lives through personal powerment and the rebuilding of shattered confidence. Cardboard Citizens' work with homeless people - and the ways in which their performances can open audiences' eyes and provoke impassioned debate - is quite simply invaluable.
The role that Cardboard Citizens, as an organization, has played in the lives of some of its members has not only helped change their lives, but also restored their sense of self-confidence and pride.
Thank you so much to everyone who attended and gave so generously and to those of you involved in making the evening possible. For more images of the event, please see our facebook profile here
Added: 17 December 2007
Come and join the dancers as they queue for the last bus to Dreamland...Dreams is a Cardboard Citizens dance theatre project for young refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. Months of hard work will culminate in a performance of this exciting work for the public on Friday, December 14, 2007, 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Brady Arts Centre (E1 5HU).
This event is free, but we will operate a pay what you can policy on the evening. You must RSVP to Cardboard Citizens by phoning 02072477747 or emailing mail@cardboardcitizens.org.uk by the 13th of December.
Theatre of the Oppressed Training Courses
Cardboard Citizens are now more than halfway through their annual offering of specialist Theatre of the Oppressed training courses. The feedback from Forum Week and the two Joker Weekends which have already run has been great: course was enjoyable, challenging and useful and really appreciated the attention to detail; ...will certainly recommend this course far and wide; Adrian is very accepting of all contributions and highly skilled and intuitive...a very insightful teacher.
It is not too late for you to participate in our training this year as there are two confirmed courses and one more possible course:
• January 15-16 (Tuesday and Wednesday) Joker Training Course to be led by Adrian Jackson, which enables participants with some experience of Forum Theatre to improve their techniques and produce challenging and interactive Forum Theatre performances. This course is being put on due to popular demand, and was not in the original brochure.
• Tuesday 25-Saturday 29 March - Rainbow of Desires led by Augusto Boal, with the participation of his son Julian Boal, and Adrian Jackson; the Forum Course will feature a performance by Cardboard Citizens, the UK’s only homeless people’s professional theatre company. There are less than 10 places left on this course, so book quickly to confirm your space.
A leaflet about the Theatre of the Oppressed courses, further information on reduced rates and electronic booking forms are available are available here.
Added: 29 November 2007
On November 27th we will be holding two showcase performances of Going, Going, Gone..., Cardboard Citizens' latest annual Hostel Tour production, at the Southwark Playhouse SE1 2TF. There will be a 3:00pm matinee and a 7:30pm evening performance. We would be delighted if you would attend as our guest. Admission is free, but you must RSVP by emailing mail@cardboardcitizens.org.uk or calling 020 7247 7747.
Opening with an auction of fire-damaged goods, Going, Going, Gone... imagines the events which might have led up to this event. What are the stories – tragedies, histories, comedies – behind these fragments of lost lives. At the production’s centre is a fabulous and funny version of the Three Little Pigs featuring three little piggies who finally move out of ‘short-sty’ accommodation where they’d been for 18 months waiting to be re-stied. Watch as they trot into all sorts of problems trying to adapt to the demands of maintaining a flat, bills, and jobs, unsupported outside of the hostel. Other stories include a reflection on the blessings/burdens of good fortune that befall a hostel resident when he finds a large sum of money, and the sad tale of a woman who burnt down her room so someone would listen.
There is no charge for tickets, but we will operate a pay what you can collection on the door. Come and see this dark little tragicomedy, in which our actors find their inner pig, and yet again Cardboard Citizens will huff and puff and blow you away!!
Added: 14 November 2007
Top UK Comedians to perform at Bums on Seats, a cheeky evening of comedy, at Hackney Empire on 12th November.
Cardboard Citizens, the UK's only homeless peoples'
professional theatre company, presents Bums on Seats, a cheeky evening of comedy at Hackney Empire on the 12th of November 2007 at 7:30. Jo Caulfield will lead the stellar line-up as compere. With Jo Brand, Brendon Burns, Ed Byrne, Rhona Cameron, Reginald D Hunter, and Stewart Lee all appearing, the evening promises to be a hilarious and bold. Tickets, £16, are available from 020 8985 2424 or Hackney Empire Box Office.
*****
Added: 8 October 2007
Theatre of the Oppressed Training Courses Filling Up Fast
As leading practitioners of Forum Theatre, Cardboard Citizens is hosting specialist training courses in aspects of the Theatre of the Oppressed from October 2007 until Spring 2008. The courses will be led by Augusto Boal, with Julian Boal and Adrian Jackson, with the participation of members of Cardboard Citizens, the UK's only homeless people's professional theatre company.
Theatre of the Oppressed is the over-arching title given to the ensemble of techniques and approaches to theatre pioneered by the Brazilian theatre practitioner Augusto Boal. The common element of the various branches of this work is that they all seek to make the power of theatre a force for change available to everyone, particularly those in oppressed situations. The arenas of Theatre of the Oppressed application range from the classroom to the council chamber, the union meeting to the therapeutic group, from the development charity to the homeless people's hostel.
For more information or to book, click here.
Added: 15 August 2007
Down/OutTonight is the last night of the production! Make you way to Greenwich for this fantastic show. Prebooking is advised as last night was a near sell out.
The recommendations are coming in, see Time Out, or The Guardian Unlimited.
Cardboard Citizens presents Down/Out, a large scale community production featuring 25 homeless and former homeless actors and musicians from Cardboard Citizens Performing Arts Workshops. The production will premiere on the 19th and 20th July, 7.30pm, at Laban. A live and recorded soundtrack is provided by the Cardboard Citizens New Music Ensemble.
Post show talk by Artistic Director Adrian Jackson on the work of Cardboard Citizens will take place after performance on 19 July.
LABAN/ Creekside/ London SE8 3DZ/ Cutty Sark DLR
July 19th and 20th at 7:30 pm
Tickets: £5, Book online here or at 02088587755.
Added: 5 June 2007
Follow a Cardboard Citizen Participant in RussiaLong time Cardboard Citizens participant Joseph DeHaan is in Russia working with Ten Feet Away. He explains the purpose of his trip below:
Just to let you know that from the 10th May I will be going on a 2 week trip to St. Petersburg, Russia with the charity TenFeet Away. This trip is mainly but not only a project on homeless art there. The trip is a lead up to the TenFeet Away International festival in July. On the trip I will be collecting as much information as my consciousness can get (I may even try collecting some while unconscious.) in the form of photos, podcasts and journal entries. I will be doing a daily journal on the TenFeet Away website. To view it please click here.
All the best, Joe
Added: 16 May 2007
After outreach workshops around Camden, Cardboard Citizens is currently working with a group of at risk youths on Act On It, an ambitious, exciting piece of theatre. The at risk youths are working hard to create a piece of their own work, addressing the issues they themselves face, culminating in a showcase event on March 12 - 14th 2007 at various venues in both Camden and London's East End.
Added: 13 March 2007
To celebrate past achievements and continuing successes we will be inviting all those who have the made the company what it is, to a special party and performance at Hoxton Hall on March 16th. Guests will be met by our circus performers, and then entertained by our theatre groups, dancers and singers in the main theatre.
Added: 6 March 2007
Please join us at Cardboard Citizens' Engagement Programme showcase - Urban Wildlife. There will be 2 performances at Hoxton Hall, 130 Hoxton Street, London N1 6SH, on Monday 29th January at 3pm (free dress rehearsal) and 7.30pm (tickets £5 (£1 for hostel residents)). If you would like more information please contact lisa@cardboardcitizens.org.uk or call 020 72477747.
Added: 10 January 2007
Adapted by Sarah Woods and Adrian Jackson
Directed by Adrian Jackson
Added: 25 September 2006
The Mayor's Thames Festival is a spectacular, free, outdoor celebration for London - the world's most exciting multi-cultural city. This year Cardboard Citizens
samba band will be performing in the festival procession from 7pm starting from Waterloo Bridge. Do come down and join us! If you are homeless or ex-homeless and would like to join the samba band please call Charlotte on 020 7247 7747 or email Charlotte@cardboardcitizens.org.uk
Added: 11 September 2006
DUST - "The skin we shed, the lives we leave behind.
Take your seat for a distinctly unsettling piece of theatre. But don't get too comfortable..."
Added: 6 June 2006
Cardboard Citizens has just finished their professional theatre tour of Visible by Sarah Woods. The performance toured nationally to theatres including Contact Theare, Manchester, Everyman Playhouse, Liverpool, Gardener Arts Theatre, Brighton and Soho Theatre, London. To read the reviews please click here
Added: 2 February 2006
On Monday 23 January Cardboard Citizens presented the showcase of the Engagement Programme's performance, 'Fractured'. The showcase was held at the Brady Arts Centre and was a great success.
Added: 20 January 2006
