SunSurfer

The Boy Who Grew Flowers – performance and Schools workshops

What is it?

‘The Boy Who Grew Flowers’, written by Jen Wojtowicz and illustrated by Steve Adams, has been developed by Kazzum into a Theatre piece that encourages children (aged 4-8) to appreciate difference and disability.

In addition to the performance an educational package was offered to schools in the London Boroughs of Islington and Hammersmith & Fulham where children enjoyed the play and then experienced disability equality training using themes taken from the play.

Why did we do it?

• What an exciting project.  To raise the issues of difference, disability and exclusion with such a young audience.
• Children at an early age often accept, understand and appreciate difference and disability.  Through this project we wanted to keep it that way.
• Kazzum’s show was magical and not at all preachy.  It was easy for the children to see and enjoy the differences.  They were happy to accept that the mother of one character talks to her only through tap dancing.
• We hoped that showing the value of diversity and difference to children from 4-8 years would make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of disabled people for the next 70+ years.

What was the result?

In Islington we managed to create a successful partnership with Sadlers Wells Theatre through the support of the Director of Creative Learning Fiona Ross and Access Officer Sarah Howard.  The Boy Who Grew Flowers played successfully over three performances at the Lillian Baylis Theatre.  Kazzum then delivered disability equality workshops with children from a range of Islington Primary Schools.

In Hammersmith & Fulham we attempted to create a similar partnership with the Lyric Theatre.  Unfortunately in the run up to Christmas period they did not have the space to put on the play.  Through a bit of lateral thinking we managed to successfully apply for a small grant from London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.  Using these funds we hired a space – a converted Church hall – and showed the play to the children as part of their Christmas treats.  It played to a full house in four shows over 2 days.  Kazzum then delivered disability equality workshops with children from a range of Hammersmith and Fulham Primary Schools.

• 3 performances in Islington
• 4 performances in Hammersmith & Fulham
• In excess of 500 children attended the performances
• Hundreds of children participated in the linked disability equality workshops

The Boy Who Grew Flowers was Directed by Daryl Beeton, the Artistic Director of Kazzum who is himself disabled.