This month, audiences are invited to witness a unique blend of theatre, film, beatbox and rap as DreamArts Rep are heading to The Barnfield Theatre with their show Heads Up: Frank’s Story on May 31st. The production is created and performed by a cast of talented young refugee artists and tells the dynamic and comedic story of the relationship between two brothers.
DreamArts Rep Company was established five years ago by Catherine Palmer and is now based at the Marylebone Theatre on the West End. The company works with performers aged 14 to 25 from refugee backgrounds and is on a mission to unlock their individual potential. In weekly drama and music sessions participants can push their creative boundaries, meet friends, practise their English, grow their confidence both on and off the stage and, most importantly, be taken seriously as artists. Catherine adds that they aren’t asked to tell their personal stories: “They are positioned as artists and DreamArts gives them the creative space to create high quality work that stands separate from their status as a refugee.”
Which brings us to Heads Up: Frank’s Story. This coming of age comedy tells the story of 17-year-old Frank, a shy and reserved teenager from The Island who idolises his older brother Gabriel, a writer regularly commuting to London. One day Gabriel vanishes, leaving behind only a note and a hard drive. The message is clear: Frank must deliver it to a publisher in London. Frank’s best friend Mickey – a modern-day Troy Bolton juggling popularity and a love for drama – joins him in the quest. But things quickly begin to unravel, leading the boys into a world quite different from the one they were expecting.
The story has been developed with the help of participants through one-on-one devising sessions throughout the year, Paul Cree, the music and drama facilitator at DreamArts explains. The show is created over three terms and is currently a work-in-progress of which Exeter will get to see parts one and two. For the show’s finale at the end of the year, you’re invited to travel up to their home theatre in Marylebone.
Things quickly begin to unravel, leading the boys into a world quite different from the one they were expecting.
Nebi, a former actor with the company and now an active member of the DreamArts team, highlights what the company has meant to him over the past couple of years: “The tour takes you places you’ve never been before and lets you meet people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. My time here has boosted my confidence and allowed me to make some great friends.” Nebi has now given the company a new creative direction by integrating film and photography into the performances, skills he’s developed since being involved with DreamArts.
As part of their tour around the UK, DreamArts make a point of connecting with people in every location they visit. In Exeter, they’re collaborating with students from the YES PLUS course at Exeter College and University of Exeter drama students whom they’ve taught to run workshops inspired by DreamArts’ methods. The community link is an important part of the company’s ethos to create a broader connection to their audiences and to give their actors the chance to build a sense of real belonging to the UK.
As part of their tour around the UK, DreamArts make a point of connecting with people in every location they visit.
With audiences often composed of around 70 percent from refugee backgrounds, DreamArts aim to make their performances accessible and inclusive. The atmosphere is relaxed and for all ages, with free tickets available for community, refugee and youth groups. Tickets are for sale on the Northcott website and if the price forms a barrier, complimentary tickets can be organised by contacting Catherine: catherine@dreamarts.org.co.uk or 07395284927.
Heads Up: Frank’s Story promises to be a fresh and original evening of storytelling and one you won’t want to miss. Catch the voices shaping the future of theatre at the Barnfield theatre on May 31st.
DreamArts Rep Instagram: @dreamarts_rep DreamArts Rep introduction video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCbd8Rdi5QM
