The Refuge

The Refuge at both the pavilion and the sanctuary part of the church became an inviting space, where ‘refuge workers’ cared for anyone choosing to enter the space and help them tell their story, using live music, performance and engagement/ story sharing experiences. Over 200 members of the public experienced the 15 minute performance and story collecting where their responses were then worked on overnight by the cast transformed them into a theatre installation which was experienced the following day.

Information

Produced
2014

Performed at:

Black Swan Theatre, Newcastle
Northern Stage, Newcastle

Commission/Sponsors
Northumbria University
Newcastle University
Elders Council
Growing Older in MY HOME
Arts Council England

“It was very good, very interesting and enjoyable. Nice to have something different like this here.”
- , Audience Member
“It really made me think. I was talking about the story bit last night. I can feel very embarrassed but I enjoyed this.”
- , Audience Member
“It was really beautiful – thank you so much. It opened up new experiences of the arts for everyone who came to The Refuge, especially those who has never experienced anything like this before.”
- Emma Wilson, Arts Development Officer – Newcastle City Council