I travelled to Rio de Janeiro when I was twenty-one to train with Augusto Boal's Centre of the Theatre of the Oppressed. During my time there, I witnessed first hand how theatre can be a platform for change. Their work brought communities together, gave voice to people often denied one, informed and educated and in the case of their legislative theatre- changed laws. Their work was also highly theatrical, popular, colourful and usually accompanied by live music and dance. It was engaging political theatre that meant something to their communities.
This work had a profound influence on me. I believe it is important to create work within communities, to actively seek out people who have limited access and exposure to theatre and to nurture the next generation of artistic talent. I went on to train with Theatre's in Prisons and Probation. I have worked as a director, project manager and workshop leader in community groups, prisons, arts organisations, schools and on outreach programmes.
