A new show coming to The Place in Bedford is taking a unique approach to
bringing communities together. Combining live theatre with an interactive
workshop, A Walk in the Park will explore our shared experience of public spaces,
especially in the light of rising violence against women and girls.
“We started with a trend that we saw on social media,” says co-director Nicola
Stammers. When women were asked what they’d do if every man went to space
for a day, a large number simply said they’d like to go for a walk alone at night.
“That was really surprising,” says Nicola, “and felt like a good place to start
exploring the subject.”
The show combines spoken word and choreography to create an atmospheric
exploration of what it can feel like to walk alone in the dark. The performance
ends with an invitation to the audience to leave the theatre and take an evening
stroll together. During this shared walk, audiences can share their experiences
through conversation, writing and drawing.
“Everyone is free to participate as much or as little as they wish and all voices
are welcome,” says Nicola.
The show has been praised as a highly valuable intervention by audiences as
well as police and specialists. Karen Lingwood, a domestic abuse consultant for
London Borough of Barnet, called the show an “impactful performance which
highlights the reality for women and girls.”
She goes on to say, “Learning through the performing arts takes people on an
emotional journey which I believe is the best way to provoke cultural change.”
A Walk in the Park is at The Place on 7 March, and is available to book now.
Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1NE9BrDF_Y
