Performance is protest.
Date of Activity: June 2023
Location: Dunoon, Greenock, West Lothian
Age Range: 14-17
In these politically fraught times – with the pressures on cost-of-living, the climate crisis and the proximity of war and tyranny – Amplify was a project that sought to explore theatre and performance as vehicles for change. From Just Stop Oil’s soup demonstrations in galleries and at sporting events to Little Amal’s incredible journey across Europe, recent interlinked acts of performance and protest have been igniting the public’s imagination. Using these foundations, Amplify assembled groups of young people aged 14-17, asking them to imagine how theatre-making can spark political and social change, empowering them to think radically, respond creatively and act collectively.
Partnering with YouthSTUFF from Dunoon, Firefly Arts from West Lothian and Beacon Young Company from Greenock, the groups of young people were each led by an inspiring Lead Artist and Trainee Artist who facilitated conversation, opened spaces for making and asked the young people to consider the issues that impact them, in the places where they live.
Using performance as a tool for activism through an initial weekend of devising and collaboration, the groups then showcased their performances during a day of creative exchange and workshops on 17 June at Beacon Arts Centre.
Amplify was a project led by Scottish Youth Theatre, in partnership with Beacon Arts Centre, Dunoon Burgh Hall, Firefly Arts and YouthSTUFF.
“I really enjoyed coming together with lots of young people and hearing our voices in a really unconventional way. I loved making and seeing the performances!”
Amplify young participant
“It felt like a very inclusive space.”
Amplify young participant
CREative team
David Banks – Lead Artist
Fraser Scott – Videography
Ink Asher Hemp – Guest Artist
Jack Tully – Lead Artist
Jack Wrigley – Photography
Leonie Rae Gasson – Lead Artist
Lucy Dewar – Trainee Artist
Mikaela Aktag – Trainee Artist
Tsoi Huen Wong – Trainee Artist
Supported by
