Enfield theatre group specialising in shows for and by disabled and disadvantaged people set to tour local schools

Its My Move (credit FaceFront Theatre) — credit FaceFront Theatre

Hundreds of teenagers in Enfield’s special schools and groups will be treated to a unique show aimed at helping them make the move into adulthood.

It’s My Move is a professional production by Enfield’s Face Front Inclusive Theatre, a charity which specialises in shows for and by disabled and disadvantaged people. It also performs in mainstream schools around London and runs several community drama groups.

It’s My Move follows the lives of a group of young disabled people, highlighting the dilemmas they face as they prepare to move on from school. Using humour and scenes relevant to the pupils, the production helps them – and the adults around them – understand their choices.

The show engages the audience with music, movement, poetry and film. Afterwards, pupils are invited on stage to replay scenes and change the script to devise more positive outcomes. The production has a cast of nine, including five young disabled actors.

Artistic director Ray Downing said: “Making the transition between the stability of school and the uncertainty of adult life can be very
difficult for young disabled people and their parent or carers. They experience a huge amount of stress, confusion and fear. This show helps them to understand the options.”

It’s My Move is touring Enfield schools next month. Clare Moloney, create manager at Enfield Council, said: “It’s My Move is a lively, engaging and educational piece of theatre.

“The forum theatre and participation elements were great – empowering members of the audience to have their voices heard, help problem-solve, take part and have some fun! A really lovely, life-affirming piece of theatre.”

A young disabled audience member added: “This has to be the best performance I have ever seen delivered at a school. It was wonderful to see the interaction between the actors and audience.”

It’s My Move is free for the schools, but this means there is a limit on the number of schools Face Front can reach. Face Front chair Roger Cowe explained: “We rely entirely on donations and grants and the cost-of-living crisis affects us the same as everyone. We would like to tour more widely, but there’s a limit to how far we can stretch our funding.”

For more information about It’s My Move:
Visit facefront.org/education/its-my-move

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.