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Rebel Voices

Rebel Voices is an engagement project for people identifying as women aged 65+ exploring the themes of invisibility and rebellion through storytelling, movement, body and voice.

From a programme of workshops in January and February 2025, a performance and Q&A took place on Friday 21st February 2025. Find out more

About the project

The project began with a pilot workshop for 16 women at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in December 2022.

From October 2023 to May 2024, we held a series of workshops in our partner hubs: Ruth Winston Community Centre in Enfield, Torch Theatre in Milford Haven and Third Age Project in Camden. These workshops were developed and led by Complicité Associates Bea Pemberton, Bronya Deutsch, Catherine Alexander and Joyce Henderson. Over 40 women took part in these sessions which invited participants to share their stories on the themes of invisibility and rebellion, and to explore a variety of devised theatre-making techniques using these stories as stimuli. These sessions culminated in informal sharings of the work developed.

The next phase of the project brought together 32 women over 6 weeks and 3 venues to devise and rehearse a brand new piece of theatre. The piece wove together personal stories with explorations of complex questions to do with aging in modern society. It was performed for the public at Hoxton Hall on 21 February 2025.
“I really appreciated how this project encouraged me to reflect on my experiences and to value my life today. Gloriously liberating and enhancing. I love the way that physical 'movement' was woven into our sessions naturally.” Past Participant
“I felt part of a community with like-minded women. It was supportive, uniting and challenging. I continue to expand my comfort zone. I've been a long-time fan of Complicité. Being part of the project was a dream come true.” Past Participant
“All positive experience. Totally stimulating; intellectually and socially. The skill of the Complicité practitioner in setting exercises/games, in fostering relaxed and open communication between us all was invaluable.” Past Participant
“I found it challenging - I like a challenge as it puts you on your toes and the spontaneity helps your imagination get creative! It was my first challenge since the challenge of facing cancer and helped my playful fun self to come out and get social again.” Past Participant
“The three directors were extraordinary. They drew things from all of us that we didn’t know we were capable of, they shaped and guided, while allowing us to make decisions, and their patience and ability to corral a group of strong-minded older women was quite breathtaking.” Past Participant
“The whole experience for me was uplifting and exhilarating. I am mobility challenged and use a rollator and I received great support with being able to use transport and if needed, having a quiet area to relax in. The care given allowed me to experience everything and I felt totally included in all the activities. It allowed me to be the best I could be and express my creativity.” Past Participant

© Sarah Ainslie

Supported by City Bridge Foundation, the funding arm of The City of London Corporation’s charity, Bridge House Estates (1035628).

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