Although our exploration of ‘What Stops Us From Being Well?’ was temporarily halted by Covid 19, we were determined to continue with the third and final phase of the project.
Following two days of training in the principles of Forum Theatre by Adrian Jackson, founder and director of Cardboard Citizens, we have been working with Katy Rubin, founder of Theatre of the Oppressed New York, and Pat Clinton to develop a performance set in a GP’s practice. Highlighting the stigma, discrimination, inequalities and barriers which our participants have faced when accessing health care, the Legislative Theatre event bought together people with lived experience and policy makers, offering a dynamic and collaborative opportunity to co-produce policy change.
The wonders of modern technology and live streaming allowed us to perform in line with Covid restrictions, and offer our audience an exciting opportunity to participate fully via Zoom from the comfort of their own homes! It was an interactive and creative way for our participants to get their voices heard, and for our audience to be a part of an exciting policy change process which is being recognised and adopted across Greater Manchester Combined Authority.