Schools from Southampton and Hampshire are taking part in the National Theatre’s The Next Morning school programme, delivered as part of the nationwide tour of James Graham’s award-winning play Dear England, with support from Mayflower Theatre.
As part of last year’s events and celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, The Next Morning is a nationwide project exploring how memories of the Second World War are passed down through generations. Inspired by Gareth Southgate’s ‘Dear England’ open letter, the DCMS funded project encourages 10,000 young people nationwide to write up and share their hopes for themselves, the country, and for young people 80 years from now.
The National Theatre is going into seven local schools to deliver creative workshops from NT artists and free classroom and assembly resources to encourage students’ spoken word and strengthen their confidence skills. The sessions cover important themes including identity, legacy, Britishness, resilience and community, and result in the students writing their own letters of hope and aspiration, empowering them to contribute to a national conversation about the world they want to build. The letters will be collected into a time capsule capturing the sentiments of England’s young people in this moment in time.
The local schools taking part are:
- Springfield School, Drayton, Portsmouth
- Redbridge Community School, Millbrook, Southampton
- Testwood School, Totton, Southampton
- Wildern School, Hedge End, Southampton
- Oasis Academy Mayfield, Southampton
- Upper Shirley High, Southampton
- Oakmoor School, Borden
So far, the letters written as part of the school engagement programme by young people have called for unity, wanting to embrace diversity in their communities, and more resources to improve their prospects in their local areas.
The Next Morning school programme is designed to inspire creativity and deepen students’ understanding of how our shared history continues to influence both the present and the future. A film of the same title was released last year asking what the end of the war means in a world shaped by its aftermath.
National Theatre and Mayflower Theatre have also offered local schools subsidised £10 tickets to see critically acclaimed production of Dear England when the tour visits Mayflower Theatre from 13-17 January. Much like the journey of this country following the Second World War, Dear England celebrates our capacity for rebirth, renewal and national togetherness.
For more information about The Next Morning project, visit the National Theatre website.
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