“The group saved my life; they taught me that change was possible.”
Synergy Theatre Project has been operating since 1999, with the objectives of rehabilitating prisoners, young people at risk of offending and ex-offenders through the medium of theatre. Many involved see it as a game-changer, with one participant revealing:
“The group saved my life not because they changed my life, but they taught me that change was possible.”
All transformative work occurs in rehearsals, on stage and in a range of creative projects from playwriting to spoken word to acting. Participating reminds people that they have a place in society to contribute to and have a positive future.
Once Covid-19 struck, Synergy Theatre Project had to rethink their approach and strategy by:
Using this grant, the organisation explores online safety issues and the parallels between imprisonment and lockdown through the creative spoken word medium. This project’s fundamental aims and objectives are to engage vulnerable young people in Harrow who were/are at high risk of offending. The projects were set up in partnership with the Ignite Trust and Wish Centre and were run and facilitated by professional artist and ex-prisoner support facilitators.