Theatre is an immersive experience that provides all children and young people with a variety of ways to engage with it. Plays are not just visual – they are aural, verbal and physical too, so they become accessible for most students regardless of their preferred learning style.
Perhaps most important, theatre has the power to transport us into the hearts and minds of the characters, allowing us to recognise and understand their actions and feelings within a safe environment.
Here at Breakthrough we believe in the importance of these cultural experiences. Taking young people to the theatre doesn’t just help them academically; it can also inspire a love of live performance that will stay with them into adulthood. It’s important for young people to see theatre as a cultural experience that is open to everyone, regardless of background, status or ability.
Making theatre visits the norm helps to break down the barriers that often limit attendance.
This term we took several students to see Noughts and Crosses at the Northcott Theatre in Exeter. Adapted from the novel by Malorie Blackman, Noughts and Crosses explores a segregated world in a dystopic London. The play deals with various struggles and injustices, looking at themes of racism, violence, civil unrest, alcoholism, capital punishment and bullying.
It was a highly powerful performance and one that all our students engaged with thoughtfully and critically. Using the ideas in the play as a springboard, we were able to discuss and reflect on many of the play’s themes in a way that built empathy, tolerance and social awareness, particularly as part of Black History Month.
We were also able to work with each student on their communication and socialisation skills during the visit, helping them to put strategies in place to make this kind of visit easier to manage and enjoy.
