engaging refugee audiences

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We recognise and understand barriers to accessing the arts. We have been proud to welcome multiple refugee and asylum seeking groups to our shows, which for the majority has been their first time ever visiting the theatre. We always run a discount ticket deal for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants (irrelevant of immigration status), and will make sure our friends locally and nationally are aware of this deal.


However, we know that cheap tickets are not the only way to ensure our shows are accessible.

We also:

  • Provide pre-show talks to support understanding of the show and the theatre experience

  • Have ESOL friendly resources on-hand for reference through the show

  • Are usually able to provide translation support with the help of our actors

  • Offer post-show workshops to explore the themes of our plays

Our shows are made by and for those with a forced migration experience. So whilst they might touch on personal experiences that some may share, the co-creation of our work means the material is handled sensitively. Those with lived experience of the issues leave our shows feeling recognised, validated and seen.

At the end of our shows we love meeting all of our audience members, but make sure to say hello to refugee groups first. Usually this is followed by an impromptu photo shoot and lots of selfies with our actors!

Our 2022/23 tour of “All the beds I have slept in” sold out half of its tour dates, with over 300 refugee tickets distributed (24% of the total audience, working with 62 refugees and asylum-seekers from local organisations.

Some comments from refugee groups are below:

‘I like their confidence. Especially their emotions while acting, this is my first time watching here and I enjoyed it a lot.’

‘This was my story. You told my story’

‘My family went through similar events and I really liked how you guys created the scene. Very impressive.’

‘You make me happy and a little of crying because I remember when I was in France I remember my hard days but I will see you again’

‘It was an amazing experience for the boys and they were so absorbed in the events of the evening. It was fantastic for them to have the chance to go up on stage and meet the cast. It was so encouraging for them to meet guys who had similar stories and see these acted out with frankness, positivity and a good laugh! We hadn't been too sure what to expect, including me, but it exceeded our expectations and we had the time of our lives.’ (Secondary School teacher)

 

We encourage refugee groups to visit our ‘Workshops’ page to find out how Phosphoros Theatre could work with your group.