The People of the Soil project is a dynamic outreach program of pre and post-performance activity in conjunction with regional performances of Burnt.
In 2009 Burnt was researched and developed with communities in order that the play be an accurate and meaningful reflection of life for families who live in parts of Australia that are coping with prolonged dryness (click here for details on the production of Burnt).
From the beginning STC Ed planned that this production tour into communities whose story it is and build a range of experiences around the themes and issues bought to life through the play.
In 2010 STC Ed has created a program of engaging activities available in conjunction with the performance to considerably support the discussions and reflections that the play brings to the surface for its audiences. This touring package program is entitled the People of the Soil Project.
The People of the Soil Project has three phases of experience for each location the production of Burnt tours to:
Pre-Performance
In partnership with schools, teachers participate in mental health workshops at the school, professionally designed to support teachers’ ability to identify depression and anxiety in their students.
Students engage in pre-performance drama workshops which will turn their minds and imagination onto drama.
The Performance
Burnt is performed for schools and for the broader community audiences.
Post-Performance
After seeing a performance of Burnt students and teachers participate in drama workshops in which students create their own version of scenes from the play, creatively exploring and theatricalising their town’s experiences.
STC Ed will then capture these local stories in a variety of creative mediums and share them with other regional communities. This would take the form of filming their responses to the play and exchanging these performances across communities via STC Ed’s website.
In 2010 STC Ed will partner with Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Griffith Regional Theatre and Albury Performing Arts Centre to tour the People of the Soil Project through the NSW Riverina region in June and August 2010.
Additional touring is subject to funding.
For further information on the People of the Soil Project please contact Naomi Edwards, Acting Education Manager, Sydney Theatre Company on 02 9250 1726 or nedwards@sydneytheatre.com.au.
The People of the Soil Project is presented in partnership with University of Technology, Sydney Health Psychology Unit and NSW Department of Education and Training.
