Our stage productions are available for national and regional tours. Post-show talks with specialist partners can be offered.
My Grandparents, My Parents and I is a startling exploration of identity, memory, love, and the lengths it takes someone to free themselves from the web of their past.
Book MY GRANDPARENTS, MY PARENTS AND I for Windrush Day Celebrations in June and during Black History Month in October!
SYNOPSIS
Time has a healing way, and so it stands that, before some memories are distant enough for amusement to be found, the hands of the clock must do their work and time must pass.
We introduce you to Joseph, grandson of Winston, who arrived into Tilbury, Essex, UK aboard the Empire Windrush on June 21, 1948.
Winston had been promised employment and a life of prosperity. With his business newly set up and launched, he was excited and empowered: adventure was set to be just around the corner. Instead, optimism was met by an avalanche of difficulties and obstacles; struggling to fit in and being unable to find somewhere to live led to gambling, with racism and discrimination making settling so much more difficult. However, a combination of commitment, compassion and determination allowed Winston to pave a different path: he meets his lifelong love, fathers and nurtures six beautiful children, and encourages them to pursue education and a life of contentment—with Joseph now inspired to transform his grandfather’s numerous experiences of hardship and trauma into comedic sketches.
PROGRAMS
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Theatre is an opportunity for all of us to explore and mirror difficult and challenging emotions. A person can safely watch an actor bully another actor, and can learn how both parties experience and respond to this situation. They can learn about the consequences.
By developing an empathetic connection with the actors, the audience has the opportunity to experience this virtual reality in a safe space. They know the situation isn’t real, but this does not undermine the strength of the audience’s empathetic response.
Cano Arts offers a collection of inspiring, educational programs for professionals as well as for students 11-18, 18+. Our workshops can last for two hours and our courses can be delivered over a six months period: we customise our programs to your individual needs.
Our Stage Productions and Workshops harness the power of theatre to spark conversation and deepen thought and understanding of social issues. A performance is followed by an educational and creative workshop on the issue at hand.
We deliver bold, interactive, and engaging workshops to young people in schools, colleges and other education settings, including pupil referral units and alternative provision from key stage 3 through to key stage 5.
We also aim specific training days at students 18+ and professionals who work with children and young people.
COURSES
THEATRE-MAKING WORKSHOPS AND COURSES
Led by Cano Arts highly experienced devising performers, our workshops are a practical and engaging exploration of the devising processes and performance techniques we use when creating a show. Whether you are looking to introduce your students to physical theatre or playwriting or create a play in a day on a topic which matters to you, our workshops are customised to meet your specific needs, with our workshop leaders working with you to ensure participants gain the most from the experience. Workshops can be led by one or two of our facilitators and can last up to two days depending on your requirements. Bespoke projects and longer workshops are also available on request.
Aimed at students 11-18, and 18+, our workshops are also used by professional during training days (i.e. Social Worker devise a stage play in a day about the young and homeless’ struggles through the system). The process encourages team-building, empathy, the exploration of relevant topics from another angle, etc.
