KABOSH THEATRE COMPANY
A BIT OF BACKGROUND
Founded in 1994, Kabosh is one of the leading independent theatre companies in the north of Ireland. The company has developed a reputation for addressing the legacy of conflict whilst creating quality, original theatre, giving audiences a theatrical experience that encourages them to reimagine a space, a person, or a moment in history. We're embedded in local communities, as we work on and off stage to deal with issues that matter to people. We use creativity as a catalyst for inspiring positive social change, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and providing a platform for new narratives and untold stories to be heard.
POLITICAL DISCOURSE IN SCHOOLS
Political Discourse in Schools is a large scale schools engagement programme, designed to assist teachers and educators in delivering the more politically charged elements of the curriculum though theatrical intervention.. This project has been developed in collaboration with students and teachers. Our research suggests that educators can encounter difficulties in teaching sensitive curriculum areas.
During the 2022-23 school year, Kabosh will partner with 15 local schools to deliver performances from our back catalogue specially designed to target particularly challenging areas, including; borders & policing, the legacy of conflict, LGBTQI+ rights, cultural diversity, human trafficking, anti-social behaviour, and restorative justice. Kabosh has secured funding to deliver the project with 15 schools in the greater Belfast area. We are seeking an additional investor to allow us to increase capacity, and roll the project out to ten additional schools in rural areas and areas of high socio-economic need.
This project will give young people license to take ownership of their futures, consider a range of alternative voices, and promote understanding of difference whilst improving educational attainment. Political Discourse In Schools will empower young people to take the lead and tackle social ills – providing them with the information and tools to promote positive societal change, reminding them their voice matters. Investment in this programme is an investment towards a brighter, more equitable, and shared future for our children and young people.
CALLINGS
Callings, by local writer Dominic Montague and directed by Paula McFetridge, follows the stories of Helen & Martin, as they provide a lifeline to the north's hidden LGBTQI+ community in the late 1970s. As they man the phones of the Cara-Friend Gay Helpline, we get to know them, their callers, and the harsh challenges they all face as LGBTQI+ citizens living in an oppressive hetero-normative society. Set against the backdrop of the conflict, the Save Ulster from Sodomy campaign, and the Dudgeon vs UK trial, this exciting and gut-wrenching production dives deep into the struggle for survival which queer people faced on a daily basis. Charged with the music of the age, Callings follows the progress of LGBTQI+ rights at a pivotal moment in our history through the eyes of those who made change happen. Sponsorship would give access to on-site performances, post-show discussion with cast and creative team, collaboration with your staff LGBTQI+ network, creative writing workshops with the playwright, unique branding and advertising opportunities.
THE OCCASIONAL GARDENER
The Occasional Gardener is an arts & gardening therapy project for care home residents, and in particular, older people and those living with dementia. Over the course of eight weeks, participants will experience a range of reminiscence, craft, drama, music & movement, and gardening activities to stimulate their senses and promote good mental well-being whilst having a giggle in the garden! As well as providing an engaging programme of activities to improve resident well-being, The Occasional Gardener also provides the opportunity to plant and develop small community gardens in each care home. This gives residents a daily sense of purpose as they tend and nurture their own greenery, whilst improving the overall environment of their home. The programme is delivered in partnership with the Macklin Care Group, in their homes in West Belfast, Dunmurry, Magherafelt and South Belfast.
Kabosh are seeking the support of a new investor, to enable us to expand provision, and make lasting changes to the lives and living environments of older people across Belfast and beyond.