Norwich Theatre is dedicating a mini season to fatherhood as part of its tenth Creative Matters season, The Shape of Family.
Creative Matters: The Shape of Family reflects the vast spectrum of experiences that make up modern families today and will use a mixture of performances, film, workshops, and art to stimulate discussion and make connections through creativity. The mini season (The Shape of Family: Fatherhood) running from 11 Oct – 8 Nov will have a specific focus on the complexities of fatherhood.
Modern fathers and mothers are redefining their roles, with fathers providing more direct care for children than ever before. However, alongside this positive shift, maternity and health services still need to improve their support for fathers.
Research finds many benefits to mothers and babies when services engage with dads directly, both before and after a child is born. This includes mental health services, as fathers’ mental health is crucial for healthy parenting relationships. Yet the evidence shows that engaging dads is still not routine, and that means opportunities for recognising fathers’ needs and strengths are lost.
Elspeth Hunter, Creative Engagement Project Manager at Norwich Theatre, said: “With the strong evidence of how children benefit from positive fathering, it’s important that men have spaces to explore, listen and reflect on what it means to be a dad in the world today.”
The Shape of Family: Fatherhood begins with a screening of How’s Your Father (11 Oct), a powerful theatre show based on real-life accounts from academic research. The show was a collaboration between The University of East Anglia, local theatre maker Simon Floyd, local charity Menscraft, and Norfolk County Council. The show tells the stories of four men and their encounters with authority, raising different questions about what it means to be a father and why fatherhood matters. The audience is invited to a post-show Q&A discussion to explore these themes in greater depth.
On 1 Nov, the programme continues with a screening of the 2014 film Boyhood. After Mason’s parents’ divorce, he and his sister, Samantha, live with their mother, while their father has visitation rights.
Comedian Joe Wells will bring a unique perspective to the stage with his show, Daddy Autism (2 Nov), at Norwich Theatre Playhouse. Joe and his wife are having a baby. He’s autistic, so statistically it’s quite likely the baby will be too. In this new show, critically acclaimed comedian Joe Wells explores fatherhood through the lens of neurodiversity. Plus, there’s a really good joke about a parrot.
Poet and father Dr. Ashley Hickson-Lovence will lead Writing through Fatherhood (6 Nov), a creative writing workshop designed for dads to explore their experiences in a relaxed and judgment-free space. Through playful writing prompts, open conversations and reflection, you’ll connect with other fathers and discover the power of putting your thoughts into words. No writing experience needed—just come as you are.
On 8 Nov, Man Alive Theatre will host The Life of Dads, an interactive workshop designed for fathers of any age and background who wish to explore the theme of modern fatherhood, focusing on participants and their experience of becoming and being fathers. The workshop offers participants the opportunity for self-reflection and exploration by using drama techniques to investigate the complex topic of modern fatherhood.
The Shape of Family: Fatherhood season is supported by partners UEA and MensCraft.
Dr Georgia Philip, School of Social Work, University of East Anglia, said: “As academics, we want our research to make a difference in the world, and using theatre and storytelling is such a powerful way to do that. The topic of fatherhood is relevant and emotive for all of us, and we need ways of exploring it that challenge assumptions, raise expectations, and better support men’s parenting.”
Tim Allard, Chief Executive, MensCraft, one of the partners on The Shape of Family, said: “When men are happier and healthier, they’re better dads. Fathers are a key part of what makes a family work well. We know for sure that when fathers are involved in a good way, it helps young people feel safe and secure inside and extends into adulthood. Recognising, supporting, and empowering fathers in their parenting roles is crucial for the well-being of families.”
For Elspeth, the season The Shape of Family: Fatherhood is about challenging assumptions. “The season is a vital opportunity for fathers, and everyone who cares about them, to engage with these issues head-on. By attending a screening, joining a workshop, or simply starting a conversation, we can all contribute to a world where fathers are fully recognised and where parenting is shared more equally.
For more information about The Shape of Family: Fatherhood or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
