Young people experience the power of theatre at Solent University

Around 90 young people from schools in Hampshire visited Solent University to watch Theatre for Life’s latest show as part of a collaboration which is all about breaking down barriers to the arts and raising aspirations among young people. Theatre for Life’s founder and Artistic Director, Michelle Smith says:

“We are thrilled to have worked in collaboration with Solent University to bring Bringing the Outside In to new audiences across Hampshire. This youth-led production responds directly to the environmental concerns facing young people today, exploring air pollution and climate anxiety while celebrating the powerful role of nature, urban biodiversity and access to green spaces in supporting health and wellbeing.”

This brand-new play stars Imani Okoh, an actor and theatremaker who studied BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at Solent University. While studying, Imani was part of a team that developed Charlie Locke and the Quest for Confidence – a show for children originally written for a course module. In collaboration with TSE Productions, the production was then turned into a full-length play which successfully toured in the summer of 2023.

Imani is now enjoying success in the arts. She says:

“It’s a great feeling returning to Solent. I’m very privileged to have this full circle moment. Studying musical theatre at Solent equipped me to be the performer I am today. Through the course, I learned how to create my own work which I believe is vital in the industry today. I learned how to collaborate, market myself as a performer and be my biggest champion – all things I use every day as a professional.

“The discoveries I made at Solent were nurtured and championed by my course leaders, and now I get paid to do the things I love!”

Bringing the Outside In has been developed as part of the Youth for Climate and Nature (YouCAN) scheme – a partnership project led by the New Forest National Park Authority and supported through a Climate Action Fund grant from the National Lottery Community Fund – the largest community funder in the UK, thanks to National Lottery players.

YouCAN is aimed at young people aged 11 to 25 and designed to encourage more community-led action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. It supports green skills and jobs, and an outdoor learning programme for young people from all backgrounds to explore urban, rural, coastal and freshwater areas. New Forest National Park Authority member and chair of the YouCAN partnership board, James Wylor-Owen says:

“Bringing the Outside In captures everything the YouCAN scheme is about; it’s youth-led, explores the concerns of young people right now about the climate and nature emergencies, and is deeply rooted in the local community. We’re delighted that Solent University is providing a platform for more people to engage with it, as part of its Hampshire tour.

“The play provides a hopeful message about the importance of green spaces and nature connection and opens the door to more conversations about the impacts we can have together.”

Image credit: New Forest NPA.