Kibble Pupils’ Play in Demand

Two young people from Kibble are taking to the stage to great acclaim, using theatre to highlight the issues that young people in care face.

With the support of Gavin Sinclair, Creative Arts Development Officer and Scottish screen actor, Daniel Portman, DS and JW have written a ten minute play called ‘Please Listen’ that explores the highs and lows of a life in care.

The play explores issues such as being moved from home to home and having little control over your own life but ultimately focuses on the strengths of young people and their ability to trust, care, develop their talents and reach their potential if given the chance.

The play has already been performed to different audiences including an audience of 450 people from 33 countries at the 2012 Conference of the European Scientific Association of Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents (EUSARF) in September.

Gavin, the Creative Arts Development Officer said:

“The most amazing thing about this piece has been watching the boys really be in control of the whole process and how they rose to that challenge.

"Everything in it is driven by them and knowing that all the powerful emotions that come out on stage are connected with their own stories and experiences makes it really compelling and moving.

“To do a performance like that in front of such a big crowd was a real challenge so I hope they’re proud of themselves.”

DS and JW were invited to perform by the Centre of Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland (CELCIS) who were hosting the conference.

According to Graham Bell, Kibble’s Chief Executive, it was important to have young people present at a conference that was, after all, all about them.

He said: “It was important to let young people represent themselves here, to make their voices heard and remind us all why we’re really here.

“It was a sobering performance and a real statement of strength, showing us what these young people are capable of and reminding us of what they need from us.”

The young people finish the play by acknowledging the love and attention they receive from care staff has a positive impact but they also challenge the audience members to remember that while they are child and youth care professionals, the true experts are the children themselves.

Different agencies are now inviting the young people to perform at their events so their staff can hear directly about the needs of young people in care.

Upcoming events include a performance at Cartvale Secondary School as part of the teachers’ in service training, two performances in Glasgow City Chambers to 75 members of Glasgow’s Children’s Panel and several other dates yet to be confirmed – watch this space!