We close the year as one of the Big Issue’s 2022 Changemakers who made an impact across arts and media, working hard to create compassion in society.
Yesterday after hearing a script written in response to workshops and time spent with the women in HMP Low Newton, one woman asked ‘but can you briefly tell me what change actually happens with a play’. My head filled a lack of response to research and recommendations, change so slow within prisons it’s at a standstill or even in reverse.
But then I looked to the past year and 25yrs of work created with communities of women, the productions created and the changed witnessed. I explain how I see it, that it starts with the women. We gather in rooms where there is power built, confidence grown and there is a celebration of rage against systemic patriarchy.
Then I see the audiences how they lean and step into the shoes of others or at times themselves, reflecting, thinking and empathising. Empathy makes change happen and making the best theatre you can creates change.
I talk to the women about Rattle Snake which was used to train thousands of police and agencies in coercive controlling behaviours – created 7yrs ago and it continues to be used to change hearts and minds, with the police, judges and social workers, as well as domestic violence programmes – women who don’t recognise that they are victims/survivors of domestic abuse, they watch Rattle Snake and pennies drop, change happens. Then there is the impact on the women who created the stories, the power built from knowing they are changing and saving lives.
Lasagna will tour in the Spring of 2023 and this, like the co-creators in prison, was created with women who have had multiple children removed into the care system or are at risk of. I explain to the woman in prison that the audiences will be made up of social workers and those involved in Children’s Social Services, as well as the general public. I explain this will happen with their show, we will step with them to make the best theatre we can and make sure it reaches thousands. They talk about buying tickets when they get out, we explain the are VIP, they get to be on all the panels if they want, they and their families will be celebrated, and the woman talks about how her child will be so proud of her, change happens.
Earlier this year we worked with new writers for the first time, our aim to increase our ability to respond to demand. For the first six months of this year, we had multiple projects happening at the same time, four new productions as well as the company’s main programme, we called it Changing the World on a Wednesday….working with women across the country, women with Learning Disabilities, a black women’s group, young women reclaiming the streets and women in prison. The intersectionality of discrimination, all gathering and raging, creating and then we gathered for our Annual General Meeting in the summer. A room full of women, angry and strong, together and in solidarity. Being changemakers.
We worked with West End Women & Girls Centre, interviewing and celebrating 40 women who have made a significant change to their community and the centre over the past 40yrs. I got to spend time with every single woman and their families, a moment to reflect on the power built by women, the intersectionality’s of the community where Open Clasp are based.
The year started with the Digital Culture Award: Special Commendation for Distribution
“Open Clasp Theatre Company are masters of distributing their content: they find innovative new partners to help them reach the audiences with the greatest need.” Digital Culture Awards
We have now established a catalogue of work with Key Change, Sugar, don’t forget the birds, Lasagna and Rattle Snake – all available and reaching thousands of people across the world, translated in Arabic, BSL and with subtitles. Sugar, created with women on probation, in prison and living in a hostel providing emergency accommodation, is now being piloted with Cork University for Continued Professional Development of all those involved with women affected by the criminal justice system.
UN International Day to End Violence Against Women & Girls saw Open Clasp work in partnership with West End Women & Girls, bringing women together to watch our award-winning show Key Change and to have space to rage. One of our original cast members, who was living in HMP Low Newton was our guest of honour. We worked with Cheryl on her release, created don’t forget the birds, which was performed by Cheryl and her daughter to critical acclaim. She cried, seeing herself on screen (the domestic violence played out) and now she’s here in a room full of women, her story a success, she’s changed, she says this.
As part of the 16 days of action we also showcased Alicia’s story, devised with women from UsToo. Women who train officers to understand the impact of the CJS failing women who have experienced sexual assault and domestic violence, who are discriminated against because they have a learning difficulty or autism. Audiences have stepped into their shoes, the play will be used to train officers in the new year, to reinforce changes needed.
As we end this year, we celebrate the strength of the women we have had the privilege to work with and feel honoured to be trusted to tell their stories, but we do it together, its feminism and its political. With Open Clasp 100’s of women speak to 1000’s of women and communities, as well as decision makers. Our aim is to Change the World One Play at a Time, the power of the collective voice of women makes change happen.
Catrina
“So appreciative to find a space where women support women with strength and drive. Amazing work from Open Clasp and West End Women and Girls Centre.”
Audience feedback from #16Days of Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls
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