Hope Theatre Company’s Adam Zane has recently been working with a number of schools in preparation for the planned Exceeding Expectations theatre project.

Hope Theatre Company’s Adam Zane has recently been working with a number of schools in preparation for the planned Exceeding Expectations theatre project.

The project will use a variety of techniques including video and real-life interviews to explore the experiences of young people in our schools today.

The theatre piece will also highlight the true experiences of young people who face homophobia in schools and will document how some teachers and students are working together to form zero-tolerance initiatives to end homophobia in their own schools.

One such school is Parrs Wood High School, which recently produced a very successful programme of events including a poster campaign and assembly dealing with the issue of homophobia.

Adam Zane has been working with students from the school and was present for the first ‘Forum’ on homophobia. “I was incredibly inspired by what I saw at Parrs Wood Sixth Form Centre’’ says Adam. “ The forum was produced by young people, who created a powerpoint presentation and video clips to really engage the audience. It was especially impressive to see the students working with their teachers to try and challenge homophobia in their school.”

Adam first became involved in planning the theatre project when he directed ‘The Laramie Project’ – the American play that tells the story of Matthew Shepard’s death. Matthew was murdered almost ten years ago in a violent, homophobic attack that shocked the world. Part of the presentation at Parrs Wood included the story of Matthew Shepard’s death, Adam continues, “The students had created a very effective tribute to Matthew which was particularly inspiring considering how this theatre project began”.

Adam is still working with a number of schools to help create the theatre project. To learn more about Hope Theatre Company visit www.hopetheatrecompany.com

Should you be interested in becoming involved, please contact exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

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