Spotlight on Placement Student Aidan
Joy is a word I hear a lot at Face Front theatre but it’s not just a word, it’s an attitude, a way of life and a gift. Helen Nicholson, a renowned applied theatre practitioner, author and teacher talks about ‘The Gift of theatre,’ as a concept in her seminal book, applied drama, an insightful and fascinating collection of experiences and observations that explain and reflect on what applied theatre is and how it can transform lives. Face Front theatre is the gift of theatre in action. It is important to understand that this gift is not some tangible commodity bestowed by morally and intellectually rich benefactors upon an oppressed community of unfortunates but a shared experience of inclusivity, communication, creativity, celebration and yes, joy.
My name is Aidan and I’m an MA student of applied theatre, social justice and performance at the University of East London. At sixty-two years of age, I’m a little older than many students, that and the fact that I have arthritis, some history of trauma and do not have an academic background might be perceived as disadvantageous. I certainly expected to struggle. When I approached Ray and Sarah-Jane at First Front with a view to ‘placement,’ I fully expected to experience some doubts or reservations at least. Imposter syndrome loomed large and what could I possibly offer? I have to say that such thoughts were very quickly dispelled not only by the facilitators at Face Front but the participants themselves. For the first time in my adult life almost I felt that I was in exactly the right place, doing exactly the right thing with precisely the right group of people. They offered me that Gift unconditionally and I was invited to share that gift back.
Since I’ve been on this placement, I learned how to deliver a workshop, I’ve been permitted to devise my own session, I’ve been included in a variety of drama activities as both a participant and co facilitator. I’ve made friends and grown in confidence.
It is perhaps still a common misconception that groups such as Blue-Sky actors, the Bridge group and applied theatre in general is some kind philanthropic sticking plaster to address societies’ ills. Perhaps it can be that. Words with some negative associations such as difficulties, needs, ableism and disability refer to some value judgement and assumed quality of life that objectifies individuals and assumes some hierarchy of social standing and worth. Face Front shatters that illusion and does so in the most inclusive, accessible, entertaining, caring and joyous sharing of the human condition possible. I’ve never been so happy as I am when I’m with my tribe, Blue Sky actors and the feeling in the room tells me that they feel that way too.
