THEATRE OF SANCTUARY: Theatres meet in Yorkshire to work to support refugees and Asylum Seekers

Leeds Playhouse in partnership with City of Sanctuary will host the inaugural networking meeting for theatres from across the country working to support Refugees and Asylum Seekers, this week in West Yorkshire.


The network is an opportunity for organisations to work together sharing best practice and responding to different political or world situations. The Refugee Council will be in attendance to offer support and context for participants. Venues attending include Sheffield Theatres, Oxford Playhouse and Sherman Theatre.


Head of Creative Engagement Ruth Hannant said: “Leeds Playhouse has led the way in becoming the first Theatre of Sanctuary in the UK, following our commitment to supporting and working with Refugee and Asylum Seekers. It is fantastic to be partnering with City of Sanctuary to share ideas and opportunities on a national scale with other organisations.


“Here in Leeds we have seen first-hand the benefits to those who are accessing the various Theatre of Sanctuary programmes at the Playhouseand it has been fantastic to see those individuals grow and develop skills that are benefiting them in all areas of their life


“This network aims to look at how theatres and theatre companies can work together on a national scale to join up best practice, share resources and jointly respond to different political or world situations.


“We are incredibly proud of the work we have done and continue to do as a Theatre of Sanctuary, and look forward to sharing this learning with our colleagues from other venues, as well as learning about the excellent work being delivered around the country.”

Leeds Playhouse became the first Theatre of Sanctuary in 2014, offering support and a welcoming environment to refugees and asylum seekers through a range of creative and practical projects. This dedicated programme of work includes; a weekly women’s singing group Asmarina Voices including a creative play session for pre-school children; and Hearts a young person’s group in partnership with the Children’s Society; Conversation Cafe run with volunteers from our Older People’s programme Heydays, using creative activities to enable people to practice their conversational English.