Devised and Directed by: Concrete Youth Company
Concrete Youth present this multi-sensory, multi-faceted and multi-layered performance which clearly has accessibility at its heart. With the recent Arts Council remit of making theatre “accessible for all”, this heart-warming tale of teamwork and friendship shows real promise from the start. The small cast of four are both skilled and engaging in this relaxed but necessary piece celebrating inclusivity and difference.
Using soundscapes and puppetry along with deft actor-musicianship, The Whispering Jungle explores a 5D theatre which is perfectly pitched and clearly enjoyed by its target audience.
A warm welcome from the cast, as they introduce themselves both verbally and using Makaton, was well received, immediately engaging the imaginations of the audience, all with complex special needs. They were utterly captivated. The beaming smiles and simple use of eye contact from the patrons is testament to the brilliant work that Concrete Youth has achieved – immersive and inspiring.
Running at 45 minutes, this is a short one act story of hope which sends out an important message to “Grow, Learn and Rebuild”. Every special needs setting in the country needs their students to witness the magic of Concrete Youth. Practitioners, as well as music and drama therapists could also model some of the techniques used in their immersive sensory story telling. The funding that supports this project is vital and long may the work continue.
Given that this critic has devoted the past two decades to developing creative opportunities for SEN pupils, it feels highly appropriate to be writing this review. Based on one’s knowledge and experience, this is work of real merit – bravo.
Runs until 27 July 2022, before continuing on tour.et