All the latest news about Sudden Productions
"I thoroughly enjoyed the production. It was cleverly produced in that key messages/statistics on climate change were delivered with accuracy as well as appropriate humour to the age range of our GCSE students. "
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WHAT MATTERS
WHAT MATTERS is an innovative arts programme using theatre to promote mutual understanding within our communities. The project promotes equality, diversity and the coming together of different communities in mutual understanding and respect. Workshops are designed to help participants have respectful interactions with others.
All our projects were born from discussions and requests from local schools and youth centres. At the end of each workshop or performance, we evaluate our work and ask teachers, youth workers and participants what they would like us to address next. Issues around Racism, Gender equality and Inclusion have been on top of most participants’ agenda for a long time alongside Knife crime and Domestic violence awareness.
Birmingham has been declared a 'majority minority-ethnic' city. It is clear young people don’t often have the opportunity to discuss such difficult issues although it is obvious that anti-racism, gender equality and human rights are very current topics for them. One teacher highlighted that his students would benefit from the opportunity for them to talk in a neutral space and have a balanced response to their experiences. A group coordinator noted that teenagers carry prejudices without even realising it and anything that challenges these is always positive.
WHAT MATTERS uses drama to promote anti-racism, gender equality and human rights via performance and drama workshops as well as online content.
SYNOPSIS
Have you ever imagined what it would be like if you could go back in time and start things over? If you could erase your biggest regrets, unmake your worst mistakes, and re-enter past circumstances with no damning preconceptions? All of this is possible in What Matters, a new stage play created by Sudden Productions.
It is pouring down with rain, and Nevaeh and Jaleel are stranded at their bus stop. Desperate to escape the elements, they run to Federico Montes’ children’s bookstore. Federico is an aspiring (but failing) actor, and it is he who finds himself sucked into the vortex of Nevaeh and Jaleel’s tumultuous friendship when they begin arguing in the store. Incensed, Jaleel storms out of the shop, leaving Nevaeh with Federico alone. Nevaeh is attracted to Federico, despite his oft-cruel treatment of her—and little does Nevaeh know that Federico is not afraid to push the boundaries and go too far…
What Matters is a story about how Nevaeh navigates the preconceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices that seem to follow her and inform her relationships wherever she goes—and, ultimately, how she embraces these elements of her identity. It is also about Nevaeh stepping outside her own bubble and considering, does she treat others with the respect she herself wishes to receive? What Matters celebrates diversity, inclusion, and, above all, equality, and is a story about friendship, boundaries, and respect.