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The Tower

 

THE TOWER - David Shimwell and Laura Freeman

THE PLAY

Angel lives with Sebastian.  He loves her, he tells her he does... She is lucky to be given so much responsibility, to be allowed to do so many important jobs for him…  …and if she gets something wrong, she must try harder to please him.

One day Angel receives a letter… from outside.

So begins a correspondence that

awakens Angel to the possibility of another kind of life.  But how will Sebastian respond?

Set in a mythical place, a tower with no way in or out, and framed in a fairytale style – inspired by traditional stories and the work of Hans Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, The Tower tells the story of a relationship that at first seems positive and supportive, but is gradually revealed to be emotionally abusive.

The Tower addresses the difficult and sensitive issues of power in relationships and domestic abuse.

The performance is powerful and compelling, but is age-appropriate and does not feature scenes of physical violence.

"The most dramatic school performance I have ever seen.

Brilliant!  Given the nature of the subject, it was handled sensitively."

Y6 Teacher

 

THE TOWER - Laura Freeman and David Shimwell

THE WORKSHOP

The Tower gives audiences of young people and children the opportunity to interact with Angel.

 

Participants are encouraged, through sensitively managed and facilitated discussion, to help Angel understand her life, and to advise her on how to build safe, positive relationships.

The Tower is underpinned by the principles of Protective Behaviours. Issues raised include;

  • Self-esteem
  • Recognising unsafe or potentially unsafe situations
  • Assessing risk
  • Recognising early warning signs and the physical indicators associated with fear
  • Appropriate behaviours
  • What is a good friend? What does a good friend do?

 

Our carefully devised and sensitive approach enables young people to deal with this difficult and challenging subject in a safe, supportive and wholly positive way.

By focusing on the dilemmas and experiences of the central character, our young audiences are able to reflect upon the issues involved without discomfort, embarrassment or the pressure to disclose their own experiences.

 

"Thank you for the opportunity of discussing a sensitive issue. It made all of our children aware of all the issues in particular one child who came forward and spoke to a teacher about a personal issue, who we feel would not have done so without having seen the performance. Thanks."

Y6 Teacher

 

THE TOWER - David Shimwell

FURTHER INFORMATION

Originaly commissioned by the North Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Reduction Team and performed to class sized groups of Year 6 pupils, The Tower has been re-commissioned annually since 2006.

The Tower is always performed and facilitated by two highly skilled and experienced actor/facilitators.

 

"From discussion, I know some students are thinking more deeply about issues in their own lives."

Y6 Teacher

Click here to view the performance availability of The Tower

 

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Theatre in Education - Brief Candle Theatre