We're releasing two short films and resources for other youth groups to make identity-based work.
“I just love the togetherness in the room when we’re all there and everyone showing experiences because everybody understands what everybody means.”
Da’Quarn, BlackisSafe mamber
Today we proud to share two short films, created by young people from our affinity group BlackisSafe for young Black C3 members.
The films are shared alongside a series of resources to support other groups across the country to set up their own affinity groups. We believe that young people everywhere should be able to creatively explore their identity. One way we do that is through Affinity Groups - spaces where their members can come together with other young people and artists who share an identity.
They are now sharing two short films - #BlackIs Boy’s Archive and #BlackIs I love yours and I love mine - adapted from the 2022 and 2023 sell-out play #BlackIs, to watch online for free.
#BlackIs Boy’s Archive focuses on the stereotypes, images and expectations put on Black boys, not just by non-Black people, but by the Black community too. We watch the boys unpack the layers as they grow to celebrate who they are. #BlackIs I love yours and I love mine looks at colourism within the Black community and its origins in white supremacy culture. These girls explore in their own way how to pull out generational roots by understanding what it means, and what it would do, to truly embrace the phrase ‘dividing and conquering is hard when I Love yours and I Love mine.’
As part of our Exchange Programme - our practice sharing and youth theatre sector collaboration work - w'e’re also releasing an Affinity Group Blueprint.
The Blueprint is a series of resources, offered on a pay what you decide basis, to support other youth theatres and youth clubs to set up their own affinity groups. It includes the story of affinities at Company Three, Frequently Asked Questions, practical games and tasks, and session plans to use in an Affinity Group. We’re so excited to be sharing our work and practice in this area with other youth groups and organisations.
“Creating spaces for young people to feel seen and heard is essential especially when those groups are marginalised in society.
The process of #BlackIs allowed the young people through drama and dance to be validated, vulnerable, celebrated and heard.”