On Monday 21 March, pupils from Somerton Primary School visited The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre for a day of activities, workshops and an exclusive performance of Josephine.
The event was part of the Healthy & Active Funded (HAF) programme and provided an opportunity for the young people to see a show, experience a backstage tour and participate in some drama and craft workshops.
The visit gave many of the students an opportunity to experience activities and workshops that they may not have experienced before. By providing these young people with the opportunity of seeing behind the scenes of a working theatre and engaging in arts and crafts from a young age, The Riverfront hopes to break down barriers to visiting a theatre whilst highlighting the arts as an opportunity for their future careers. Engaging in artistic and creative activities is also key to supporting the wellbeing of these young people.
After the day of activities, Sarah Rodda, Deputy Head Teacher of Somerton Primary School passed her thanks to The Riverfront team.
‘The organisation was second to none and every child had a thoroughly amazing time. They were able to experience things that they have never been able to before such as visiting the drama studio, understanding the technical side of the theatre, and seeing all the parts of the stage.
Everyone has returned with such a positive attitude. The subject matter of ‘Josephine’ and the story that lies behind it was well chosen and very relevant.
It will be one of those ‘experiences’ that they never forget and who knows, may inspire some careers in theatre.’
Josephine explored the extraordinary story of Josephine Baker: performer, spy and civil rights activist. Featuring a Harlem Renaissance-inspired score, spring-heeled Charleston dancing and a range of historical figures, the production was the inspiration behind the workshops that took place that day. The young people experienced a drama club session with Nyla Webb where they played theatre games and enjoyed exercises focusing on character and expression linking to the show. Local artist Kate Mercer also ran a visual art workshop making beautiful, colourful Charleston themed headdresses based on costumes Josephine wore.
On the day, The Riverfront’s Education & Arts Development Officer Danielle Rowlands commented:
‘It’s always a wonderful day when we have schools visiting the building, and this was a particularly special day as its one of the first opportunities we have had to welcome pupils back through our doors since we reopened. It was great to watch the pupils grow in confidence throughout the day as they took part in our workshops, and the wonder on their faces as they sat and enjoyed the show was so special to witness.’
Newport Live’s Health & Wellbeing team are currently supporting the school as part of the Healthy & Active Funded (HAF) programme, a partnership between the Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Public Health Wales. The programme aims to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of the young people through the delivery of fun and engaging physical activity sessions. The team have also set up a lending library at the school which offers pupils an opportunity to borrow sports equipment that can be utilised at home with their families.
Ben Adams, Newport Live’s Senior Community Sport and Wellbeing Development Officer commented:
‘It was fantastic to welcome the pupils of Somerton Primary to the Riverfront and offer them the opportunity to be part of a unique experience. The team created a fantastic day of activities and workshops that enabled pupils to learn new skills. Everyone left with smiles on faces, and we look forward to creating further opportunities for local pupils across the Community Sport and Wellbeing programmes in Newport Live.’
One pupil commented:
‘I really enjoyed the workshops today; it was the first time I have been to the Riverfront. My favourite part was the tour because we went backstage and learnt about how the shows are set up before watching the Josephine show in the afternoon.’
In addition to this, the Health & Wellbeing team are also supporting the school via Families First funding which supports the provision of Health & Wellbeing workshops and family cookery sessions within the school.
Newport Live and The Riverfront offer a range of activities for schools to participate in, both in their venues and in the school environment, including bespoke workshops, private cinema screenings, joint funding applications, venue visits and private tours. For more information and details about projects and programmes Newport Live and The Riverfront are running for schools and the community, visit https://www.newportlive.co.uk/en/community-support/ and get it touch with our Development Officers.
To find out more about what is coming up at The Riverfront over the next few months visit newportlive.co.uk/Riverfront.
