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Oxfam in the UK - Youth issues take centre stage
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Scene from 'Last Night', the
latest production for young people from the Red Ladder Theatre
Company. Last Night encourages the audience to challenge the
negative attitudes they may have towards others, or even themselves |
The attitudes of the better-off towards those living in poverty
– whether in other parts of the world, or within their own
society – are often unsympathetic or even aggressive. Misleading
reports and negative stereotypes in the UK media have helped to
fuel intolerance.
Oxfam challenges this culture of blame and prejudice towards the
disadvantaged within the UK by supporting work which helps people
to understand the real reasons behind poverty, and the problems
faced by the most isolated and vulnerable members of society.
The Red Ladder Theatre Company tours UK youth groups and schools,
most of which are in disadvantaged communities. Their plays tackle
issues such as teenage pregnancy and drugs, but also look at prejudice
against single parents, refugees, homeless people, and the elderly.
The audience is encouraged to challenge the negative ideas which
they may have about others – and those which others have about
them.
Each show is followed by a workshop, where the young people have
a chance to discuss what they have seen and what it means to them.
Oxfam has funded resource packs for youth leaders, to help them
to plan follow-up activities with youth groups, thus ensuring that
the production makes a long-term impact. Separate packs for young
people include practical information and telephone helplines. The
latest Red Ladder show, 'Last Night', is expected to reach an audience
of around 4,000 young people.
"If Red Ladder were to perform another play again,
we would recommend it to everyone we know." Catherine
and Laura of Buds Youth Club in Blackburn, after watching a Red
Ladder production.
To find out more contact Stefanie Gascoigne, Red Ladder Theatre
Company, 3, St Peter’s Buildings, York Street, Leeds, LS9 8AJ.
Tel: 0113 245 5311 Fax: 0113 245 5351 e-mail: stef@redladder.co.uk
Introduction
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|| Geography &
Environment
People & Society
|| Factfile || Oxfam
in the UK
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