From multi-generational households to chosen families, from kinships to blended families, the word family can be just as complex as the relationships themselves. This is why Norwich Theatre has chosen to explore what it means to be a family and the ever-evolving nature of family life in its 10th Creative Matters season, Creative Matters: The Shape of Family.
The season will reflect 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.
Sam Dawson, Head of Creative Engagement at Norwich Theatre, said: “The Shape of Family aims to explore the more challenging side of the family construct and the issues we all face, yet are often unspoken from loss and what we inherit to the meaning of family and how it may be redefined. It’s also about quiet, unspoken relationships. It’s about the people who become your family when blood doesn’t tie you.”
Norwich Theatre will work with partners, including the Centre for Research on Children, Norwich Area Kinship Carers, Nelson’s Journey and Men’s Craft, to support and host workshops, talks and other activities.
The season will launch with Sad Book at Norwich Theatre Playhouse (14 – 15 Mar). Adapted from Michael Rosen’s award-winning book, Sad Book is a personal story of loss, where a father explores the disconnection between what we feel and what we show and the different ways we deal with sadness. It is a visually inventive, moving story of navigating complex emotions in the midst of everyday life.
On 14 Mar, 201 Dance Company, the creative team behind Sad Book, will host two workshops for those aged 16+: Sad Book: Dance Workshop and Sad Book: Creative Writing Workshop. This is an opportunity to work with the creative team and explore how creativity can offer unique pathways into the challenging subject matter of loss.
Norwich Theatre is proud to partner with Nelson’s Journey for a free workshop, Lost for Words: How to Navigate the Tough Talks with a Bereaved Child (14 Mar). This adults-only session, facilitated by Nelson’s Journey’s specialist Child Bereavement Support Workers, will explore what grief looks like and how to communicate with grieving children.
Bring the whole family along for a free morning screening of the film Onward (5 Apr). The film tells the story of teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley, who embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father.
In May, Norwich Theatre Royal and Stage Two will host a multi-media exhibition, Backstories, exploring pieces from the artist’s family albums. Julia Cameron is a Norwich-based artist and photographer who acquired photographs, letters, and documents belonging to her ancestors, from which she has created “ghostly” images printed on voile, a translucent fabric.
The Farmer and the Clown (18 May) for ages three and up is adapted from the picture book by Marla Frazee and explores if friendships can span the generations. Stop by at the Family Drop-In (18 May) before or after the show for an all-ages crafting activity to explore your thoughts about home. More shows and activities will be announced throughout the year.
Sam added: “This season is an invitation to reflect, listen, understand and question how we define a family. Through creativity, we will explore what we gain and what it means to create a family, no matter its shape or size.”
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
