Birmingham REP is to mark the culmination of three years of discussions, workshops, performances and action to “support young black men's mental health resilience and address inequalities”.
Fix It: the Celebration will take place in spaces across the REP with events looking back on a Shifting the Dial project, reviewing the impact it has made and celebrating the end of the National Lottery-funded scheme in its current form.
The REP is a leading partner in Shifting the Dial, which “aims to increase economic opportunities, raise mental health awareness and encourage inclusion while addressing the effects of racism, discrimination, negative self-image and invisibility among young African Caribbean men”.
Project producer for Shifting the Dial Samina Beckford said, “over the past three years we’ve been able to lead the way in addressing some of the key issues that are affecting and truly matter to young black men in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
“It’s not the end for the REP’s work in this field. We know that the multi-agency approach works and has paved the way for more targeted work of this kind.”
Lightpost Theatre Company, set up by the REP to explore and aid the mental health of young black men, will also preview its new production. Members of Lightpost will also lead a selection of movement workshops.
Fix It: The Celebration will be held on Friday 25 March. Tickets are available at the Birmingham REP web site.
Lightpost Theatre Company will collaborate with South Africa’s Isango Ensemble to stage performances at the REP from Thursday 12 until Saturday 14 May.