Theatre is a vital tool to welcome refugees

All children, regardless of their circumstances or place of origin, deserve access to high-quality theatre. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child unequivocally asserts the right of every child to leisure, play and participation in cultural life and the arts. Sadly, for many children, especially refugees, fulfilling this right is not always easy or attainable.

It is something we have been thinking a lot about recently at Little Angel Theatre, the children’s puppetry company where I am artistic director. Our community engagement manager, Katherine Sturt-Scobie, was asked to lead a craft workshop in an Islington bridging hotel, where families had sought refuge after fleeing Afghanistan. What ensued was heartwarming. The small workshop quickly turned into a gathering of more than 60 adults, children and teenagers, all immersed in creative crafts inspired by the changing seasons. It was an experience of pure joy, one that transcended language barriers, uniting families in their artistic endeavours. The originally scheduled two-hour workshop extended into an entire day, reflecting the hunger for such creative and family-oriented activities among newcomers to the country.

The arts have the potential to achieve much more than entertainment

This experience prompted the birth of Welcome!, a project we have been working on in partnership with Home, Manchester, and Phosphoros Theatre, which specialises in performances with refugees and asylum seekers. It is a performance deeply rooted in the experiences of children living in Highbury and Islington who have first-hand knowledge of the challenges of migration and refugee status. Through a series of workshops, the children explored the theme of inclusion; discussing ways of integrating into new communities, building relationships and breaking down social barriers. They wanted to create a show that fostered a sense of community, and would help them navigate the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land; as well as a piece that responded to the continuing global refugee crisis, not to dwell on the plight, but rather to be a powerful voice of welcome for those who often remain unheard. 

The arts have the potential to achieve much more than entertainment. They can offer a moment of respite to those fleeing truly dire circumstances, but, more importantly, they can be a platform for welcoming people and providing them with a sense of belonging during times of displacement. In that regard, Welcome! is more than just a theatre production: it is testament to the power of collaboration and the resilience of the human spirit. The show relies on non-verbal communication, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of their language or background. 

The theatre industry has made significant efforts to be welcoming, from pre-show emails and friendly ushers to relaxed performances and accessibility options. However, some individuals still do not attend. It is time to reflect on why this may be the case. Is it because we have not extended a warm enough welcome? Is it because they feel that the work does not resonate with them? Are financial or physical barriers at play? We must ask ourselves what we can do to make our work more inclusive and welcoming. For many children, this might be their first encounter with theatre, and we want to ensure that their experience is not off-putting but, rather, a lasting invitation.

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