#twoboroughs

For tonight’s Kitchen Conversations, we were joined by Elahe and Parastoo, Iranian mother and daughter chefs from Migrateful.  Against a backdrop of Iranian music, the air smelling of mint and spices, guests help to prepare - from scratch - a delicious meal that included meatballs, rice and aubergine.

Migrateful seeks to address the lack of support provided to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.  It is a cookery and language initiative where asylum seekers, refugees and migrants struggling to access employment due to legal and linguistic barriers teach their traditional cuisines to the public. This project aids their integration process by addressing obstacles of destitution, unemployment, isolation and language barriers.  The public can book on one of the regular classes Migrateful runs in different international cuisines (as well as Iranian cooking, you can also choose from others, including Cuban, Nigerian or Eritrean); or book private or corporate classes.

Today Taking Part offered Neighbourhood Theatre members and contacts a whole day focusing on careers.  The idea of a careers day inevitably conjures up images of paper and serious discussions but, true to the spirit of Neighbourhood Theatre and Taking Part, this event was far from conventional, dry or boring.  

The Best Story of You, run by Rachel Griffiths, was not only innovative, exciting and inspiring, but took a holistic approach to the subject, focusing on participants’ personal histories, emotions, hopes and dreams.  The afternoon consisted of practical activities, games and exercises that encouraged participants to see their career trajectory more objectively and positively; and provided them with tips and strategies for approaching interviews and work more confidently and successfully.  

At the heart of this workshop was the idea of listening and being heard and seen.  One of the central exercises involved working in groups of three: one person (A) told the others about a turning-point in their life/career, another member of the group then summarised this story for A, and the other member of the group then retold the story in as dramatic a way as possible.  These roles were then rotated so that everyone had a go at hearing their story retold factually and then dramatised; and got to discuss what this was like for them.   This was clearly an incredibly powerful experience for every individual in the room.  One participant commented that the other people retelling your story “ “‘big you up’ in a way you don’t yourself”.  Another commented that “its like when you read a biography of someone you admire” and that “you’re the star”.

Later in the workshop, participants were invited to choose a title for the story of their turning-point, and introduce themselves and present their title to the whole group.  This was very nerve-wracking for some participants - for some, almost overwhelmingly so - but because the group - and the atmosphere in the room - was so supportive, everyone was able to complete the task.  Rachel encouraged each participant to have strong physicality.  She gave every individual detailed feedback and help, feeding in quick participative exercises to help with specific issues such as what to do with your hands and how to relax your voice quickly.

It was lovely to be part of the first rehearsal tonight for Neighbours Known, Neighbours Unknown, Taking Part’s latest community project, run in collaboration with the Choir With No Name (CWNN).  Three groups of singers will rehearse four times with singing teachers from, and members of, CWNN, before coming together as one enormous choir at a performance on March 17th.

Tonight’s group are the Wednesday group, and they were taken through their paces in the two hour rehearsal with a fun physical/vocal warm-up and a dive straight into the three songs that this group will perform individually.  Alice, the choir leader, set expectations high from the start, working quickly through the songs and giving notes about style and delivery, particularly focusing on energy.  There will be several solos within each song, and participants were quick to volunteer to have a go at these, even those who are less confident singers.

It was a privilege to be a member of the audience for a performance of Sing Before You Speak Again, which I have been watching develop in rehearsals since the very end of August.  The piece is a community show, an original staged choral song cycle, inspired by the Main House show Wings, and, as director Tom Martin explains, “written after a series of workshops with stroke recovery groups, Parkinson’s community groups and dementia healthy living clubs”.  It is performed by a choir made up of non-professional singers from our local community.    

Throughout the rehearsal process there has been a clear sense of the piece’s rich composition, both lyrically and musically; as well as the skills, ambition and commitment of the choir and creative team.  The performance itself surpassed even this.  Even since the last rehearsal I attended ten days or so before the performance, the collective voice has strengthened and gained confidence, and this was further enhanced by the choir’s command of Tom’s detailed staging. In addition to the staging, the design and lighting choices meant the piece also looked particularly beautiful, and highlighted the poeticism of the lyrics.