|
Putting fire back in bellies and belonging back on the menu:
so people see themselves in the place, and the place in themselves. Based in Lincolnshire, I create theatre and participatory projects in places where there is low engagement or sense of belonging, so afterwards people feel more connected with who they are and where they live.
For a decade, I've worked on the doorstep of communities, crafting real stories of people and place into live events that increase belonging, skills and local pride. |
|
|
|
|
How do I create art built to last?
The posh words for my method are "reportage" or "creative nonfiction". It uses the engaging techniques of fiction and poetry to tell factually accurate, true stories. "Creative non-fiction is one of the most exciting and flexible forms of writing" University of Cambridge
“The show injected a folkloric quality into local history that made it feel magical and exciting. Normally, you learn about history in a dry way – through websites or textbook-style storytelling – but Ryan’s approach was alive and genuinely compelling.”
Connor, 26 on "Henry VIII Used To Hate Us"
“The show injected a folkloric quality into local history that made it feel magical and exciting. Normally, you learn about history in a dry way – through websites or textbook-style storytelling – but Ryan’s approach was alive and genuinely compelling.”
Connor, 26 on "Henry VIII Used To Hate Us"
The result?
- History or themes now feel more accessible and relevant for audiences.
"None of the events about Henry VIII are ever mentioned in GCSE history - it's all much more national.
This show was different — it was specific and local.
I hadn’t really considered how it might feel to hear stories about where you live - it struck me in a way I didn’t expect.”
Edward, 15 on "Henry VIII Used To Hate Us"
- Audiences feel included and empowered to form their own conclusions.
"It asks the audience to think, rather than telling them what to think. This feels like a piece that could genuinely shift the dial of people's opinions."
Chloe Courtney, CEO of China Plate on "Henry VIII Used To Hate Us"
"None of the events about Henry VIII are ever mentioned in GCSE history - it's all much more national.
This show was different — it was specific and local.
I hadn’t really considered how it might feel to hear stories about where you live - it struck me in a way I didn’t expect.”
Edward, 15 on "Henry VIII Used To Hate Us"
- Audiences feel included and empowered to form their own conclusions.
"It asks the audience to think, rather than telling them what to think. This feels like a piece that could genuinely shift the dial of people's opinions."
Chloe Courtney, CEO of China Plate on "Henry VIII Used To Hate Us"
Meaningful Evaluation
For our latest project Arts Council funded project, 'Henry VIII Used To Hate Us', we scrapped the usual QR codes & dreaded feedback forms and picked up the phone. Why? Because we wanted to know if the project truly had lasting impact.
We held 15 telephone interviews six weeks after the event, to see if audiences still thought about what they saw : all fifteen did.
“It was powerful to witness how many people in the community were willing to be part of something like this.
It reshaped what I thought was possible here and restored a bit of my faith in the area.” Daisy, 26
We held 15 telephone interviews six weeks after the event, to see if audiences still thought about what they saw : all fifteen did.
“It was powerful to witness how many people in the community were willing to be part of something like this.
It reshaped what I thought was possible here and restored a bit of my faith in the area.” Daisy, 26
