The Rep becomes Birmingham’s first Theatre of Sanctuary
We’re delighted to announce that The Rep is Birmingham’s first Theatre of Sanctuary. The UK’s City of Sanctuary organisation has recognised Birmingham Rep for its efforts and ongoing commitment to offering a place of safety for sanctuary seekers with this prestigious award.
The Theatre of Sanctuary Award is an acknowledgment of the work by The Rep’s Creative Learning team to engage with marginalised communities. As part of its commitment The Rep provides complimentary tickets to performances, and continues to guarantee bursary places for any Rep programme to participants from families seeking leave to remain.
City of Sanctuary was founded in 2005 to promote, network and resource activities that focus on including refugees who are seeking safety in the UK. It works across sectors, from local councils to theatres, to create welcoming spaces.
Since 2021 The Rep’s Creative Learning team have worked with sanctuary support groups, which has led to two main stage performances by the refugee and asylum seeker storytelling group Stories of Hope and Home.
The group performed as part of The Rep’s Uncommon Riches festival last year to 400 pupils from Schools of Sanctuary and have sold out their new piece In the Shadows of the Trees to be presented as part of the Order and Chaos festival on 20 July.
As part of its work with sanctuary communities The Rep co-produced, with The Walk Productions, a second visit to Birmingham for Walk with Amal in June, 2022. Amal is a 12 foot puppet of a 10 year old Syrian refugee child, which has become a global symbol of human rights, especially those of refugees. The Rep facilitated several projects around the event with multiple organisations in the city.
Rachael Thomas, The Rep’s Executive Director, and Sean Foley, Artistic Director, said: “We are honoured to accept this award from an organisation that shares our values and commitment to supporting people who are re-building what are often shattered lives in a new country.
“This can be an overwhelming and lonely journey so we are pleased to offer a welcoming place where art and culture can help them to find hope. It’s a milestone for The Rep, which is dedicated to being a theatre for all. We’re proud of the work the Creative Learning team deliver and we look forward to future projects.”
Alex Summers, The Rep’s Director of Creative Learning, said; “We’re incredibly proud to receive this award and look forward to furthering our support and raising awareness of the issues refugee communities face. This work feels especially vital in the current climate and we’re thrilled to be delivering it in Birmingham in partnership with City of Sanctuary.”
Sian Summers-Ress, City of Sanctuary UK Chief Officer, said: “We are over the moon that Birmingham Rep is now a Theatre of Sanctuary. This award recognises its phenomenal efforts to support and welcome people seeking sanctuary in this community. There’s never been a more important time to stand in solidarity with people forced to flee – and Birmingham Rep are leading the way.”
Steph Neville, Stories of Hope and Home Project Manager, said: “The relationship that has flourished has exceeded all our expectations. From tickets to shows allowing people who would never otherwise have the chance to go to the theatre, to the gift of allowing us to meet regularly in the hub, to the chance to work with different writers and artists, to incredible opportunities to perform on stage. The Rep has become a safe space where people feel welcome, included and at home, which is exactly what a Theatre of Sanctuary should aspire to be.”
The Rep is looking forward to further projects and workshops that will help the refugee and asylum seeking community to tell the stories of their lived experiences and hopefully continue to bring this work to the stage.
Photo Credit: Alex Summers