untold stories: cardboard citizens' annual review 2012-2013

5/26/2018 Untold Stories: Cardboard Citizens' Annual Review 2012-2013

1/45Facts Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013

Untold Stories


2/45Facts Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013


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Cardboard Citizens hasbeen making life-changingtheatre with and forhomeless people for 22years. We create greattheatre that makes a real

and positive differenceto our society and thoseliving on its margins.We are the UKs leadingpractitioners of theTheatre of the Oppressedmethodology.

Every year Cardboard Citizens effects change by:

presenting plays performed by homeless anddisplaced people, to share experiences andproblem-solve together;

producing high quality work for generalaudiences so that a wider public can sharein the Companys learning and understandthe issues facing marginalised people;

enabling participants to develop skills,qualifications and confidence throughworkshops, performances andaccredited training;

supporting participants practical needs inmatters of housing, education, employment,health and personal development;

working in partnership with arts and socialsector organisations to widen the reach ofthe Companys work and underpin its supportfor participants.

Facts Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013

Welcome


C: 25

I was very ill before I came to Cardboard Citizens,struggling with serious mental health issues, andwas constantly in and out of hospital. My mentalhealth team referred me to Cardboard Citizensand I started just a week after rehearsals forLife Aint No Musical.

I just wanted something to do during the day aswell as getting the mental health people off my

case. I thought that if I kept doing it they wouldnot put me back into a mental home, so I said tomyself just keep going. Surprisingly, I started tolove it.

From the start Ive had 100% support fromCardboard Citizens. My proudest moment wasdevising and performing in Life Aint No Musical.It was really special and I also made two veryclose friends from it, we are still really goodfriends now a few years down the line. It was hardopening up, being vulnerable and telling strangersabout your personal life. Life Aint No Musicalwas basically our life stories. When Ive openedup in the past people have been like youve gottado this and then do that but with Cardboard

Citizens people just listened. It was a challengebut also felt like an accomplishment because itsimportant to open up and not feel judged. It feltlike counselling but much better.

It makes me happy just being here. I developeda lot of trust because I didnt trust no-one, and Idont trust everyone now but thats life I guess. Itsimportant to have trust even through the hardestdays, the hardest experiences. Im much moreopen than I was. I never had confidence, and I

couldnt sing but I can now! I think I developedfriendship skills too. Its really hard for me tomake friends, or like people. Its weird, becauseIve done longer projects with other people andhavent had that with anyone else.

Cardboard Citizens referred me to the NationalYouth Theatre and I did their Playing Up 2 coursewhich then enabled me to get into uni. Im nowinto my 2nd year of Birmingham School of Acting

to do a degree in Community Applied Theatre.I hope to come back to Cardboard Citizensand do some work experience to build up moreconfidence in facilitation skills as I start my careerin prison theatre. Its all thanks to CardboardCitizens. If it wasnt for that I wouldnt have beenseen by the National Youth Theatre and gone onto Playing Up 2 and done what I needed to getinto uni. I now have a dream of working in prisontheatre. And courage, I never had any of that.Cardboard Citizens has taught me a lot.

Id never accomplished something, never beenthe full way with anything before I did this. I guessIm still kind of scared to be on stage but then Ialways think about when I first stepped on st age

at Cardboard Citizens and think this is how farIve come so I just go out there and just do it.

You dont have to be on the streets to behomeless, its also about insecurity, beingdisplaced or not having a place that you callhome, somewhere where you always feel likeyoure welcome. In 10 years Id like to have myown flat and hopefully have my own theatrecompany for young offenders and those at riskof offending. I want to leave something behind.

MemberSpotlight

01


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I am delighted to introduce this years AnnualReview, which sets out our many achievementsin what has been an exciting and vibrant year forCardboard Citizens.

This year saw the organisation move into a newhome in Whitechapel, a place that has alreadybecome a hub for capturing, collecting andnarrating the many stories and experiences ofour Company Members, bringing those stories

into the spotlight for debate, discussion andinspiration. We have ventured into new theatrespaces with these stories, achieving sell-outaudiences in various corners of London, at theAlbany in Deptford, the Roundhouse in Camdenand Rich Mix in the East End.

A new home has also been a catalyst togenerate new support, with the recruitment offour new Trustees this year. This, combinedwith a rigorous governance review process,has brought new energy, drive and purpose tothe Board of Trustees, with fresh determinationto safeguard and further develop the preciousspace Cardboard Citizens occupies in the world.Presenting the many real and positive voices

from the increasing stories of dispossession andhardship can never have been so pressing as it isnow. Theatre, in its many forms, does this in a waythat reaches and changes many. That is why weare here.

Of course none of this is achievable without ourtalented team of staff and Members, who haveshown impressive resilience as they adapt to thechanges presented to them over the course oflast year, welcoming progress and ambition forthe organisation.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to myfellow Trustees, as well as the individuals andfunders who have provided invaluable support

for the onward journey of Cardboard Citizens.Special thanks also to Kate Winslet whosecommitment and hands-on input has been asymbol of confidence for everyone.

Graham FisherChair

Messagefrom the

Chair


03Graham Fisher Chair

From Twitter@timewontwait:

#forumtheatrereally does rock@CardboardCitzcontinue toinspire dialogue



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In Cardboard Citizens experience, homelessnesscomes in many guises, and people becomehomeless for a whole range of reasons, including:

Physical or mentalhealth problems

Physical and learningdisabilities

Low incomes or receiptof benefits

Experience of the care system

Experience of the criminaljustice system

Substance misuse

Disrupted education

Abusive relationships

Refugee or asylum

seeker status

Identifying peoples unique support needs iscritical to helping them overcome their barriersto participation and progression. Despite widelyheld misconceptions, only a small percentage ofthe homeless community sleeps on the streets;the majority are often hidden (in squats, couchsurfing, in dangerous or unhealthy environments)or living in temporary accommodation such ashomeless hostels or night shelters the kindof places where Cardboard Citizens often first

encounters people.

Cardboard Citizens works with people acrossthe entire spectrum of homelessness, but 49%of Members are currently living in hostels. Whilesome would perceive these people as housed they have a roof over their heads homelessnessruns deeper. People may be sheltered from theelements but they remain without a place to calltheir own and are exposed to additional riskssuch as substance misuse, prostitution and abuse often leading to a vicious cycle of addiction,poor mental health and low levels of confidenceand self-esteem. These difficulties can be furthercompounded if they do not have an appropriatesupport network. We try to address the negative

impacts of homelessness on the people wework with and steer them onto a journey ofself-discovery and progression catalysed by thetheatre we make together.

What do wemean by

homelessness?

Facts Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013Facts Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013

04 Glasshouse 2013

What struck meparticularly, was theabsolute importanceof a few key decisionswe make at variouspoints in our lives,often under pressure,

when things mightnot be going sowell for us, and thedisproportionateimpact, for good orfor bad, these keymoments can have onthe rest of our lives.

Hostel Residenton Glasshouse


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There are untold stories out there untold both asin numerous and unnarrated stories from worldshidden to many. At Cardboard Citizens, because ofthe trust we engender amongst our constituencyand as a consequence of the catalytic and catharticnature of theatre, we hear these stories. Our longengagement with and commitment to these marginalworlds makes us uniquely placed to tell some ofthese important stories honestly and with care.

Whether presented in a homeless hostel oron the stage of a London theatre, the tellingof these stories starts a conversation aboutchange. And how that change could be broughtabout, translating ideas shared on stage into thereal world. At street level, Cardboard Citizensempowers the dispossessed to move forwardin their lives by engaging homeless people withinteractive theatre, workshops that build skills andconfidence, and tailored advice and guidance.At a national level, in partnership with leadinghomelessness agencies and some of the UKsbest-known theatre companies, Cardboard Citizensreveals hidden Britain to all who care to look.

The highlight of 20122013 has been our movein October to our newly-refurbished premises

on Greenfield Road in Whitechapel. This isthe fulfilment of a 20 year wish to have all ouractivities housed in a single, fit-for-purposebuilding, albeit only on a four-year lease. As wellas wheelchair-accessible offices, the new baseincorporates a workshop and rehearsal space anda dedicated IAG (Information, Advice & Guidance)room, where Members can get support in aproperly confidential environment. It already feelslike home, and has become a hub of continuousactivity; hardly a day passes without a group ofCardboard Citizens Members using our space fora workshop, meeting or training course.

Our most notable theatrical event of the year was theproduction of Kate TempestsGlasshouse, our mostsuccessful Forum Tour yet, playing theatres such asthe Albany, the Roundhouse and Rich Mix alongsidenumerous hostels and a smattering of prisons.

Our contributions to the Cultural Olympiad wereCardboard Champions, (which included realraces) at Spitalfields Market, and ACT NOWs LifeAint No Musical: The Remixas part of With OneVoiceat the Royal Opera House, following sell-outshows at City Hall and at the Arcola Theatre.

Training across the arts and social sectorscontinues to be an important part of our output.We launched the UKs first professional trainingcourse in Writing for Forum Theatre, and a newcourse on how to engage marginalised groups The Art of Engagement. We have launched ouraccredited Peer Mentoring scheme and becomeArts Award Advisors, enabling us to deliver morequalifications to our Membership.

The focus for the next three years will be on makingmore theatre, increasing our sustainability, andraising the profile of all aspects of our work. Fromour new base, we will make a step-change, to

reinforce Cardboard Citizens reputation as a Centreof Excellence in engaging excluded groups with highquality, challenging theatre.

To support all this, we have recruited some excellentnew Trustees as part of a governance review, andestablished our first Development Committee.

We hope you will read about some of the stories wehave already told and, more importantly, we hopeyou will continue to help us tell them.

Adrian JacksonArtistic Director & CEO

There areUntold Stories

out there


07Adrian Jackson CEO & Artistic Director

The script didnt pull any punchesand was both gritty and very real toI`m sure a whole cross section ofour local community. It was at timeschallenging but always rooted in thereality of everyday living for a notinsubstantial number of people

In a word, outstanding!Noel Saunders, Managing Directorof John Lewis on Glasshouse


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After ten years of working from our crampedgarret at 26 Hanbury St, Cardboard Citizensmoved a short walk down the road to refurbished,spacious and fit-for-purpose premises at:

77A Greenfield RoadWhitechapelLondon E1 1EJ

Our new home has meant that, for the first time

in Cardboard Citizens history, we have ourown workshop and rehearsal space, offices,and confidential rooms where we can deliverInformation, Advice & Guidance to our Members.

The new premises allow us to offer more forMembers, staff, supporters and audiences. Overthe next few years the new space will be usedto reinforce Cardboard Citizens reputation as acentre of excellence for work with marginalisedpeople and a world-leader in creating ForumTheatre. In the short time we have been inresidence, we have run an unprecedented numberof workshops, sharings, training and events, withmore opportunities to showcase our work to thepublic and invite supporters to drop by and seewhat we do.

Our large in-house rehearsal room is nowavailable for hire by external companies, and allproceeds will go towards supporting CardboardCitizens work. With natural light and a cushionedvinyl floor, the space is highly adaptable fordifferent event-types, including theatre rehearsals,readings, workshops, talks, conferences andtraining days.

To make an enquiry, come and see the spaceor to book the rehearsal room please contactStuart on [email protected] 020 7377 8948.


NewHome


RehearsalRoom DetailsAll areas of thebuilding are accessibleto people with limitedmobility, includingwheelchair users.

Size13.2m x 7.3m

CapacityWorkshop (30)Theatre (40seated audience)Reception (70)

FacilitiesKitchen, ReceptionArea, Wi-Fi, CeilingFans, Heating,Toilets, Car parking,Bike parking,Photocopier and

office use available.

08 Cardboard Citizens Rehearsal Space

Powerful, thought-provoking anddelivered with such professionalism.The story really resonated with theaudience and the actors delivered

a very moving performance.I couldnt believe how engagedthe audience were. You can clearlysee how important theatre can bewhen engaging with a vulnerableand challenging audience andhow the stage can be used as avehicle for social change.

Adam Gallacher,Chickenshed on Glasshouse


8/45

The Forum Theatre Tour is the seed from whichCardboard Citizens grew, and still remains thecornerstone of our work as well as our bestoutreach tool for recruiting new Members.Every year we commission a playwright towrite an interactive Forum Theatre play basedon the experiences of our Members. The tourgives excluded audiences a rare opportunity toaccess great theatre. After the performance, afacilitator (the Joker, in Forum jargon) engages

the audiences in a theatrical debate, invitingthem to stop the action, come on stage andrehearse alternative scenarios that could lead topositive change. All our actors have experienceof homelessness, which encourages even themost disenfranchised, and shy to intervene.The actors are also trained as Peer Mentorsand, assisted by Tour Ambassadors, followup with audience members after the show,distributing information and inviting them to jointhe Company. The Ambassadors then supportstaff to contact those who have shown interest,invite them to introduction sessions, and bringthem into workshops.

This years Forum Theatre show was written byaward-winning poet, rapper and playwright KateTempest, and proved to be our most successfulto date with an increase of 15% on last yearsaudiences. Glasshouseemerged from research &development workshops with Company Membersexploring families, and the pressures they faceunder difficult circumstances. Kates hauntingpoetry and distinctive spoken-word style frameda gritty story told from the perspective of three

members of the same family. The play featureda range of issues including unemployment,substance misuse, teen pregnancy, sexualorientation, debt and benefit sanctions. Asalways, there was plenty of comic relief, courtesyof some memorable characters and outstandingcomedy performances.

Glasshousetoured for nine weeks and was verywell received by homeless and non-homelessaudiences alike, with features in the nationalpress and a video report on BBC News. The playvisited hostels, day centres, rehab programmes,conferences, companies and prisons, and playedto sold-out audiences at The Roundhouse, RichMix and the Albany, demonstrating the theatre-

going publics hunger for high-quality ForumTheatre. We hope to be able to take this show ona national tour in 2014.

Cardboard Citizens havecreated a wonderful show,filled with engrossing,chameleonic performances,most notably the fragilemother portrayed with asublime and subtle frailty

by Jo Allitt.Sabotage, Feb 2013


ForumTheatre Tour

Glasshouse


11Glasshouse 2013


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Anyone with experience of homelessness thatCardboard Citizens encounters is encouragedto join the Companys Membership scheme. Thiscomes with a range of benefits for those whowant to become more involved with CardboardCitizens. Members are entitled to access ourindividual Information, Advice and Guidance(IAG) service, progression opportunities such asqualifications in Peer Mentoring, and participationin a varied programme of workshops and

performances throughout the year. They can alsoaccess Company computers to look for jobs,work on their CVs or apply for courses. We keepMembers updated by text and email so they canmake the most of upcoming workshops, training,performance opportunities, and events includingMembers Meetings, social gatherings andinvitations to see shows around London for free.

There is a strong sense of community within theCompany Membership, underpinned by regularconsultation and an emphasis on peer leadership.Every two years, four Members Representativesare elected to act as the voice of the Membershipand ensure Members are consistently informedand consulted about what is happening in theorganisation. As well as running Membersmeetings, they regularly meet with staff membersand the Board of Trustees. The current teamof Members Reps played a significant role indiscussions around our new Peer Mentoring scheme.

Members Meetings allow Members old and newto meet and socialise, perform to their peers,remain updated on the work of the Company andbe consulted about future developments. Overthe year, the Members Reps led four MembersMeetings with support from Cardboard Citizensstaff. The new workshop space added a new levelof ownership and community to proceedings.

Membership The thrill, the love,the people... Its my

sanctuary, its mydomain when I come

here. People make mefeel so relaxed, so at

home. No matter whathappens to me in theoutside world, I just

come here and I feelrelaxed.

S, ACT NOW Member

12

Thank you all for the wonderfulshow last night. Our residentstruly enjoyed the play and havebeen commenting on it allmorning. They said the show wasgreat because it was relevantto their lives, real yet funny.They did not expect the play andactors would be so professional.Well-acted, well-written andwell-received.

Bethany House Hostel Worker



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The Workshop Programme

Cardboard Citizens inclusive theatre andperformance workshops are a place for homelesspeople to express themselves, build confidence,learn performance craft and make new friendswhile growing stronger. They promote socialinclusion and reduce isolation in a friendlyenvironment away from the negative connotationsthat often go with being a homeless person.All our free workshops are lead by professionalfacilitators who are experts in their fields.

In 2012 we ran our usual flagship workshops inForum Theatreand Acting for Theatreat CrisisSkylight in Spitalfields over three terms teachingForum Theatre, Improvisation and Acting. Aftermoving to our new space in October we tooksome time to consult with the Membership overthe kind of workshops that should be on offer inthe new space.

Based on Members recommendations weran a series of taster workshops in early 2013for newly engaged Members; these includedForum Theatre, Acting, Voice Work, Writing andMovement and led to an intensive Forum Theatre

training week with a sharing at the end. We alsostarted Street2Stage workshops which weregeared towards performances planned for thenext financial year.

Cardboard Champions

In the Olympic summer of 2012 CardboardCitizens worked with ELBA, Providence RowHousing Association and the Shoreditch FringeFestival to create a unique piece of theatre aspart of the cultural Olympiad. We ran threeweeks of workshops in three East End hostelsexploring the Olympic values of excellence,respect and friendship and what the Gamesmeant to marginalised groups, particularly thehomeless. Working with residents from DanielGilbert House, the Kipper Project, East Thamesand Hackney Road we devised a piece of outdoortheatre entitled Cardboard Championswhichwas performed to packed lunchtime audiencesat Spitalfields Market on the eve of the OpeningCeremony. The performances were very wellreceived and consisted of a mini homelessOlympiad including all kinds of high-risk sportswhilst following a homeless persons race againstbureaucracy to find shelter for the night or beforced to sleep rough. Our collaboration withCrisis Skylights puppetry and mask workshoplead to the creation of a very visual piece of theatre.

Workshop Programme& Cardboard

Champions

Facts Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013 Facts Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013

15

It was my only way to speakto people. What I am today my confidence, believing inmyself I got all that throughthe workshops.

Cardboard CitizensWorkshop Participant

Cardboard Champions 2012


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ACT NOW is Cardboard Citizens youth theatreprogramme specially designed to engage 16-25year olds who are homeless, at risk of becominghomeless, or not in education, employment ortraining (NEET).

We reach out to young people across Londonby offering weekly drama workshops, enablingthem to learn all parts of the theatre-makingprocess including acting, devising, writing anddirecting in a variety of styles including ForumTheatre. Once a year we work towards a full-scale production devised and performed bythe workshop participants. Young people cangain a Personal Employability Achievement andReflection for Learning (PEARL) or Arts AwardSilver qualification and receive ongoing one-to-one support and personalised IAG (Information,Advice and Guidance) in matters relating toeducation, employment and general wellbeing.

ACT NOWs third year concluded with arestaging and redevelopment of 2011s hit show,Life Aint No Musical: the Remixstarring 10young people which was very well received. Thefourth year of the programme started with an

exploration of money management and financialcapability amongst young people, the pitfalls ofpayday loans and the implications of Job Centresanctions. This led to a peer-led awareness-raising project called Act On Moneyand adevised forum theatre play called Tickswhich theyoung people toured to a few select venues (readmore about Life Aint No Musical: the RemixandTicksoverleaf).

Fruitful partnerships are essential in developingprogression routes for ACT NOW participants.Over the last year we have fostered excitingpartnerships with fellow youth theatre companyChickenshed, the V&As Museum of Childhood,Tangled Feet and Theatre Temoin.

Since January 2013 ACT NOW and Chickenshedhave been working together on a unique theatricalinvestigation called The Heritage of Violence.This project is exploring the connectionsbetween experiences of violence in childhoodand destructive behaviours in young adulthood,with reference to the adaptability of the brainto environment. Using visits to the Museum ofChildhood, lectures from neuroscientists andplay historians, recorded interviews and trainingin verbatim theatre, film and other performancetechniques, the group of 20 young people fromACT NOW and Chickenshed devised a theatricalmultimedia lecture to share their findings.

ACT NOW &The Heritage

of Violence


ACT NOW made me realiseI can be someone and dosomething instead of justlosing people.

A, ACT NOW Member

16 ACT NOW workshop 2012


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Life Aint No Musical: the Remix

ACT NOW completed its third year with a remixof 2011s hit production Life Aint No Musicalwhich was the youth companys first ventureinto the land of musical theatre. The productioninvolved a diverse group of 10 homelessperformers who rehearsed the restaging, addingto the plays original sondtrack in collaborationwith award-winning jazz musician Arun Ghosh.

This year, ACT NOW Members were invited toperform to sold-out audiences of 554 people atthree prestigious events: the Arcola Tent as partof the Olympic Five Boroughs Youth Festival; CityHalls London Living Room as part of a youth-led debate on young people and homelessness;and The Royal Opera House, as part of the WithOne Voiceevent showcasing homeless artsthrough the Cultural Olympiad. The shows wereattended by funders, politicians, partners, thepublic, staff working in young peoples services,ACT NOW participants, alumni and potential newrecruits. The creative team created a powerfulproduction that everyone was very proud of andreceived overwhelmingly positive responsesfrom audiences as well as having an enormouspersonal impact on the performers.

Ticks

In November 2013 four ACT NOW Memberssecured a small grant from Lloyds Money ForLife Challengeand set up a project called Act onMoney. The project explored the recent changesto welfare benefits to raise awareness aroundthe dangers of payday loans. The team recruitedanother 11 young people and devised a showcalled Tickswhich followed the stories of threepeople, each with different barriers to work,

such as mental health, homelessness and acriminal record. With support from CardboardCitizens the group toured Ticksto a number ofyoung peoples hostels in the local area. Acrossfour performances, including ones at NewHorizons, Oval House Theatre and AshridgeBusiness School, Act on Moneyprovidedinteractive, educative theatre to a range ofat-risk young people, older homeless people,and young professionals.

Audiences were invited to offer the charactersadvice, and act out their solutions to the issuespresented. Tickswas very well-received andthe group recognised their own development inleadership skills, team-work and planning, as wellas managing their own finances.

Shortlisted for the national final of the LloydsMoney For Life Challenge, three members of thegroup presented Act on Money at the Tower ofLondon, alongside four other projects, and won!The young people are exceptionally proud of theirachievement, and are highly motivated to continuedeveloping Ticks, and touring it around moreyoung peoples hostels. Two Members have sincebecome Money For LifeAmbassadors, and weare looking to develop this model further.

Life Aint NoMusical: the Remix

& Ticks


Ticks was realistic. Thats whatshappening in my life. It gives youthe opportunity to change theending of the story. Thanks ACTNOW! That was amazing!

Hostel Audience Member

19Life Aint No Musical: the remix 2012


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The Information Advice and Guidance (IAG)Service has grown and developed to offer ourMembers individual tailored support as a keycomponent of the wider Membership offer. TheIAG Workers are familiar faces who Members feelcomfortable approaching for assistance to makepositive changes to their lives.

The service helps Members access education,training and employment, and assists withmatters of housing, health, general welfare andsignposting to specialist agencies as appropriate.This year saw a number of Members turning tothe service for support around understandingwelfare reform - IAG Workers have aided themwith Employment Support Allowance appeals andaccompanied them to tribunals. In one such case,advocacy and support from an IAG Worker meanta Member was successful at their Tribunal andtheir mental health issues were taken seriously.With the flurry of changes to benefits, it has beenmore important than ever for the IAG Workers toattend regular briefings and training to keep theirknowledge current in order to be able to offerinformed assistance to Members.

The Cardboard Citizens IAG Team continues toplay an important role in advocating on Membersbehalf when support from other agencies hasbroken down or when Members are completelydisconnected from specialist support services.

There have been some notably positive resultsfor Members who accessed the IAG serviceover 2012-2013 with a particular emphasis onhousing, volunteering and employment:

We supported a Member whoreceived a Notice to Quit fromhis hostel to have the noticerevoked through engagementwith the appeals process and bereferred to another hostel ratherthan be made homeless;

We assisted a Member whoreceived an Eviction Noticefrom their housing associationto access legal support andchallenge the decision in courtwhich resulted in them havingthe Eviction Notice retracted;

We supported young peopleinto education, training andemployment outcomes including;Acting Level 3 at MorleyCollege and Clean Break, paid

apprenticeships with StratfordNursery, Barbican Box Office,and Fit 4 Sport, paid work withExtant, The Arbour, and OvalHouse Theatre;

We supported a young personto manage a number of debts/debtors and maintain his tenancy.

InformationAdvice &

Guidance


Without

you peopleI could be

six footunder.

P, Company Member

21

F C db d Ci i A l R i 20 2 20 3F C db d Ci i A l R i 20 2 20 3


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In October 2012 Cardboard Citizens securedfunding from The National Institute of AdultContinuing Education to increase peer-led learningsupport across the Company. This was achievedby offering qualifications in Interpersonal Skillsand Peer Mentoring to formalise volunteeringand progression routes for our Members. PeerMentors gain key transferable skills, experience andqualifications to progress into further educationor employment. This also built upon Cardboard

Citizens capacity to deliver a fuller programme ofarts-focused learning and qualifications to a greaternumber of homeless people including the ArtsAward Silver qualification.

Over the last year Cardboard Citizens worked inpartnership with Genskill, a training organisationexperienced in delivering accredited qualificationsto marginalised groups, and Foundation 66,the alcohol and drug housing service withaccreditation status to deliver qualificationsin Interpersonal Skills Level 1 and prepare fordelivering qualifications in Peer Mentoring Level2 (QCF). These partnerships enabled us to makeformal and informal progression opportunities forour Members who have benefitted from the extra

support provided and progressed onto education,training or employment.

Through the course of the project, new volunteerroles for Members were identified and formalisedwithin Cardboard Citizens. These includeTour Ambassadors, Peer Mentors, OutreachAssistants, Performers, Workshop Assistants andEvaluation Assistants. To date, 55 people havesuccessfully completed one of these placementsand we look forward to training many more in thecoming year.

IntroducingPeer Mentoring


23Members Meeting 2012

Brilliant as ever! Clientswere really excited about theevent and really enjoyed it.Energetic, thought provoking,relevant, intense, professional,fantastic and above all aquality performance.

Turning Point Hostel Worker

From TwitterNeil Darlison, Directorof Theatre for Londonat Arts Council England:

Kate Tempest and CardboardCitz team up to thrilling effect@thealbany Deptford & a longtime since Ive been in such acommitted audience.

Facts Ca dboa d Citi ens Ann al Re ie 2012 2013 Facts Ca dboa d Citi ens Ann al Re ie 2012 2013


15/45

Cardboard Citizens specialises in the Theatre ofthe Oppressed, a theatrical methodology pioneeredby the late Augusto Boal for creating personaland social change through theatre, with particularapplication to communities experiencing oppression.

This work can be used in a wide variety of settingsfrom classrooms to prisons and with sociallyexcluded groups of all ages and nationalities. Itcan be an incredibly effective tool for buildingteamwork and trust quickly as well as improvingself-confidence, presentation skills, motivation andself-awareness. Cardboard Citizens is particularlyskilled at using this work to create participativedialogue, a theatrical debate where a wide rangeof relevant issues can be explored interactivelyin a safe space. The ethos of the Theatre of theOppressed underpins all of Cardboard Citizenswork a firm belief in the transformative powerof theatre, the value of participation and theimportance of debate.

Every year, the Companys artistic team trainspractitioners from both the arts and socialsectors through a range of courses, interventionsand masterclasses. This year we made a newaddition to our portfolio of regular Theatre of theOppressed training to supplement our existingcourses in Forum Theatre, Jokeringand Rainbowof Desires. We ran the UKs first professionalWriting for Forum Theatrecourse looking athow to structure an engaging and provocativeForum Theatre piece that is authentic and invitesmaximum participation from its target audiences.

This year Cardboard Citizens also hosted itsfirst European Grundtvig project, bringing 23participants with experience of homelessnessfrom five EU countries (Czech Republic,

Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and UK) to Londonfor a five-day Forum Theatre residency facilitatedby Adrian Jackson. They developed five Forumplays in mixed-language groups which wereperformed to an invited audience. In addition toproviding a great opportunity for participants, theproject also strengthened Cardboard Citizensconnections with European Forum practitionerswhich we hope will lead to future collaborations.

In 2012-2013 Cardboard Citizens also formallylaunched The Art of Engagementtraining whichdistils the best of theatre-based techniques andexercises to help social sector staff engage ina more meaningful way with their clients. Thesebespoke courses range from one day workshopsto weeklong residencies and consultationsdepending on organisational priorities.

The Art of Engagementhas already been appliedacross the country this year, using the arts asa tool for engagement and change with like-minded organisations. This included workingwith Bangladeshi women ESOL learners inBow, mental health nurses in Southampton,South East Asian students at the University ofWarwick, Swedish social sector managers atAshridge, theatre practitioners in Cardiff andschoolchildren from across London at theOpen Air Theatre in Regents Park. In the pastyear our facilitators have also t ravelled beyondthe UK to Ireland, Poland, Germany and Australiato deliver professional training to both individualsand organisations.

If you are interested in Cardboard Citizens Artof Engagementor Theatre of the OppressedCourses, contact [email protected] call 020 7377 8948.

Theatre of theOppressed Training

& Projects

From TwitterHijinxTheatre:

Big thanks toTony McBride of@cardboardcitzfor a fantastic weekof workshops in

Cardiff. Stories canchange the world!


24 Grundtvig Project 2012



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There are manywonderful peopleand organisationswho have supportedour work and madeour move to newpremises possible inthe last year through

their generous financialand in-kind support.

For the 2012-2013 financialyear Cardboard Citizens wouldlike to thank:

Trusts & Foundations

Cinven Foundation

Coutts Charitable Trust

De Laszlo Foundation

Ernest Hecht CharitableFoundation

Esme Fairbairn Foundation

Evan Cornish FoundationGillian Knowles Trust

Harold Hyam Wingate Foundation

Henry Smith Charity

Hyde Park Place Estate Charity

Joan Strutt Charitable Trust

J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust

National Skills Academy

Odin Charitable Trust

Paul Hamlyn Foundation

Reuben Foundation

Religious Society of Friends

Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust

Syder Foundation

Trusthouse Charitable Trust

Wellcome Trust

Westminster AmalgamatedCharity

Westway Development Trust

The Wilhelm Helmut Trust

Companies

Albany

Altro

Arts Club

Ashridge Business School

Broadway London

Capital International

COURTIERS InvestmentServices Limited

Crash

Fluid IT

Forsters

Fullers

Give A Car Ltd

Graeae

Heckmondwike

Help A Capital Child

Interabang

John Lewis

Lombard Street Research

MacLennan Architects

Makinson Cowell Ltd

Mission Fish UK

PLM Commercial

Pret Foundation Trust

Rich Mix

Roundhouse

Schroeder Forbes Ltd

Streetwise OperaStrettons

Time Out

Vitra

Working Links

Statutory Bodies

Arts Council England

Big Lottery Fund, Reaching

Communities

East London Business Alliance

Grundtvig LLP

NIACE

London Borough of TowerHamlets

Royal Borough of Kensingtonand Chelsea

A huge thank you to ourAmbassador Kate Winslet, andto all the Friends of CardboardCitizens, partners, audiences,suppliers and supporters whoenable Cardboard Citizens toachieve its mission.

Facts Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 2012 2013

Thank you


27Cardboard Champions 2012

From Twitter@HowFascinating:

I loved #Glasshouse@RichMixLondonyesterday. Greatmoment whensomeone answered

6 billion to Idealno. ppl in a family?@CardboardCitz



17/45

Board of Trustees

Adrian JackAndy W GanfBarbra MazurGraham Fisher (Chair)Jaf ShahJohn Moffatt (Treasurer)Jonathan SandallJulie HudsonMary Ann Hushlak

Matthew CainPhilip ParrSean DaltonSian Edwardes-EvansSue Timothy

Resigned in 2012-2013Simon HughesMojisola Adebayo

DevelopmentCommittee Members

Matthew LavinTrisha DHoker

Staff

Adrian JacksonArtistic Director and ChiefExecutive Officer

Belinda SherlockTrust Fundraising Manager

Cathy WeatheraldProject Manager, Youth &Employability

Lisa CaugheyDeputy Chief Executive

Michael ChandlerProgramme Director

Petia TzanovaMarketing & CommunicationsManager

Rachel TileyEvents & Donor DevelopmentManager

Stuart GreyProject Manager, Administration

Tasneem SharremInformation, Advice andGuidance Worker

Terry OLearyAssociate Artist

Tony McBrideDirector of Projects

Yago De La TorreDatabase Administrator

Zahid TabbassumFinance Manager

CardboardCitizens


28

Cardboard Citizens77A Greenfield RoadLondon E1 [email protected] 7377 8948

Facebook: Cardboard CitizensTwitter: @CardboardCitzYou Tube: CardboardCitztv

Photography:Cardboard CitizensHugh Hill of HMDigiart

Simon AnnandRobert Day

Design: interabang.uk.com

Reg Charity No. 1042457

By using Cocoon Gloss 50rather than a non-recycledpaper, the environmentalimpact of this review wasreduced by:

71 kg of landfill1,677 litres of water154 kWh of energy


18/45

Untold Stories


19/45


20/45

Figures Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013

Untold Stories


21/45

Figures Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013

The homeless problem


22/45

The homeless problem

1

1

3,

260

people

in

Engla

nddecla

redthe

mselv

eshome

less

up4%

on

th

epreviousyearup

11%

ove

rthe

last

twoy

ears

40

,229

household

sin

tem

pora

ryaccomm

odationinLondon

this

does

notin

clu

depe

oplein

bed

andbrea

kfasts,squatsandsleepingo

nthefloorsoffriendsandfa

mily

1

3,

000

people

liveinho

stels

ando

theraccommodationfo

r

homele

sspeo

ple

inLondon

360

,000L

ondo

nhou

seho

ldsare

nowwaitingforasocialh

om

einLond

on

This

ismore

than

1in

10

6,4

37peoplesle

ptrough

atsomepointinLond

ond

urin

g2012/1

3

up

13%

per

cen

tont

hepre

viousyear'stotalandup62%

percentin

creaseover

two

years

4,3

53

peoplew

erenewroughsle

ep

ers

All data is taken from Shelter, Crisis and the Chain database for 20122013

J: 22

I was working full-time for my mums cateringcompany. First she sacked me then she kicked meout of the house. I sofa surfed for three months.Then I went to a hostel, where I st ayed for sixmonths before coming to Cardboard Citizens todo a workshop in Forum Theatre.

As soon as Cardboard Citizens came to my hostelI wanted to get into it. I took it upon myself to goto the workshop and found out it was good news.It was a relief. We performed in Spitalfields marketin front of a crowd of about 100. Then I joinedACT NOW, the youth company.

My biggest achievement is becoming EnglandChampions for the Lloyds Money For LifeChallengeas a result of our Act on Moneyproject. We devised a Forum Theatre piece calledTicksabout young people budgeting their money.I learnt so much. It really boosted my confidence.Learning how to budget money is one of thebiggest hurdles in life. Since doing Ticks, I ammuch better at budgeting and try to stay out ofdebt. I would like to take Tickson tour. It needsto go to other hostels like the ones we performed

at. Its a way for young people to get their mindsaround basic financial education.

At Cardboard Citizens I also completed aqualification in Interpersonal Skills. Once I passsomething, it motivates me. I am always lookingto take the next step and I ended up going onto do my Peer Mentoring Level 2. Ive learnt tostructure my thoughts better and communicatemore clearly. It has been a big step in my life tolearn how to mentor someone else. I didnt haveanyone to turn to when I was in sticky situations.I would like to help someone else out who hasbeen down in the dirts like me.

How have I changed? Ive matured a lot. Imstanding tall, instead of being in the hostel,crouching down. I wouldnt be here now; Id besitting on my bed playing Xbox, smoking a fag,watching TV, getting fat. Now Im here gettingenergised, getting athletic, getting committed tothings that I havent done in years.

Its also about being around positive people. Whenyoure around negative people they will alwaysshow you the negative side. Being around positive

people makes me smile. Every Monday when Icome in for ACT NOW I think to myself, I gottheatre, Im happy. Ive got my little theatre gang.

Homelessness means being distraught. Anddevastated. I think the government needs to makemore hostels and homeless shelters. When I wentto get a room at a hostel they said there was afour month waiting list. I was 19 at the time.

A while ago I was homeless and now I have myown flat and am doing a placement with theatrecompany Tangled Feet as a Production Assistant.I am also doing my Silver Arts Award and havebeen accepted at Chickenshed Theatre on aBTEC course. I recently put my CV together and

have started to be offered some paid work. Asone door closes, another one opens.

If it werent for ACT NOW and CardboardCitizens I wouldnt be the person I am now. Imgrowing like a beanstalk. Ive been planted andnow Im ready to grow.

MemberSpotlight

Who are the Cardboard Citizens?


23/45

Who are the Cardboard Citizens?

49%

AGE

TO

are currently living

in a homeless

hostel

Da

tataken

from

Card

board

Citizens

ac

tivemem

bers

hipduring

2012

2013and

on

lyinc

ludes

thosew

ho

have

fille

dou

tmon

itoring

informa

tion

16 67

Members come from 24

of Londons 33 boroughs

22%

42%

44%

24%

19%

have a

criminal

record

are young

peopleunder 25

have a history

with substance

misuse

have a physical

or learningdisability

are hidden homeless

or sleeping rough

61%39%female

male

60%are Black Asian

Minority Ethnic

group (BAME)

18%are LGBT

Overview Workshop Programme22


24/45

Overview Workshop Programme

new home to

house all ofCardboard

Citizens activities

under 1 roof

new members

of staff

total audiencereach in 20122013

2,9944newproductions

in 20122013

performancesin 20122013

57

total number of

people engaged

(outreach or

workshop)

average

attendance at

workshops

of those

attending

workshops

56%56

64

445

returned for

3 or more

workshops

qualifications

acheived with

Cardboard

Citizens

education,

employment

or training

outcomes

became

Members

of the

Company

attended

Members

Meetings

180

384 14

Trusts and

Foundations

generously

funded our work

in 20122013

1821

1

3Companies

supported

Cardboard

Citizens

activities

PQASSO

Level 2

Quality

Mark

Third Sector

Excellence

Award for

Best Annual

Report

England

Champions for

Lloyds Money

For Life

Challenge

2 national awards won and

one quality mark acheived

years since

our first

project

22

Forum Theatre Tour ACT NOW


25/45

Forum Theatre Tour

209

10

ACT NOW

number of

new venues we

performed in

number of

prisons visited

number of hours

of paid employment

provided for 4 company

Members as actors

1,920hrs

32,365 64

ACT NOW

workshops

delivered

young people

engaged

audience for

Life Aint No Musical:

the Remix

total audience

for Ticks

13

554

became

ACT NOW

ambassadors

qualifications,

training or

employment

outcomes

returned for3 or more

workshops

55%68

2761,247total audience

reached through

Glasshouse

homeless

audience reached

100

223

new Company

Members

signed up

people who got

on stage and

participated

in the Forum

performances

in theatres

performances

in hostels,

day centres

& prisons

number

of London

boroughs we

performed in

4917

5

Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) Volunteers


26/45

, ( ) ee

26 external

volunteers spent

over 1,700 hours

supportingCardboard

Citizens work

34 Members

volunteered

over 2,064 hours

of their timeto Cardboard

Citizens activities

32

2,064hrs

1,700hrs

Members also

volunteered as

performers

18Members achieved

qualifications in

Interpersonal

Skills and Peer

Mentoring

total sessions

of IAG

delivered

477 305sessionsdelivered through

the workshop

programme

126Members

accessed

IAG

172sessions

delivered

at ACT NOW

52people attended

3 or more

sessions


27/45

Actors

Audi

ences

Mem

bers

Forumtheatre

Theat

re

CommunityP

lays Sharing

s

Acting

Volunteerin

g

Qualifica

tio

ns

Employm

ent Education

Culture

Referals

Wri

ting

Ad

voca

cy

IAG

Theatretraining

ACT

NOWDebate

Com

mun

it

y

Th

eatre

Work

shopsFo

rum

TO

TO

TO

TO

Sta

rt

Pa

rticipate

Inspire

N

urture

Grow

TheCardboard

Citizensstory

The Cardboard Citizens story The Cardboard Citizens story


28/45

Homelessness is about more than the lack ofa physical home. Many homeless people aredisengaged from their communities and feelalienated from society. They often suffer frommental health problems, drug and alcoholaddiction and low levels of self-esteem. Inorder for people to rebuild their lives, they needinspiration. Cardboard Citizens engages peoplethrough interactive theatre, earning their trust, andmaking them feel safe and valued in the process enabling them to take significant steps forwardand to progress.

Cardboard Citizens achieves this by means ofan annual Forum Theatre Tour, regular OutreachWorkshops & Performances:

Forum Theatre Tour

The annual Forum Theatre Tour is the longest-standing element of the Companys work;

70% of our Members first meet the Companythrough the Tour;

A professional production visits over 40homeless hostels, day centres and prisonsevery year as well as theatres, conferencesand universities;

Cardboard Citizens commissions a newplaywright every year ensuring freshness ofcontent and approach and investing in up-and-coming talent;

The actors in this tour have all experiencedhomelessness, thus establishing a peerrelationship to their audiences;

The stories presented are inspired byreal-life experiences;

Audience members are engaged in debatethrough interactive Forum Theatre.

How Forum Theatre works:

The audience become Spect-Actors; theyare invited to get on stage and try their own

solutions to the issues presented;

The actors are also trained as PeerMentors, and part of their role is to talkto people after the show and encouragethem to become Members.

Read about this years show GlasshousebyKate Tempest in the Facts booklet.

Outreach Workshops & Performances

Cardboard Citizens runs performing artsworkshops in hostels, day centres and shelters;

Company Members volunteer to attend theworkshops as ambassadors, encouragingpeople to get involved by sharing their ownpositive experiences;

Participants are given a taster of CardboardCitizens work, and invited to join our regularperforming arts workshops;

By participating in a show or workshop,homeless people become engaged with theCompany and stimulated about the possibilitiesof change in their lives and in society.

While many homeless services focus on coveringbasic needs such as food and shelter, it isnow commonly accepted that moving awayfrom homelessness requires fulfillment of otheressential needs such as building up confidence,skills and a constructive social network.

Workshops provide Cardboard Citizens team withan opportunity to get to know people, as well as

providing a safe place for participants to meet, makenew friends, and creatively explore the challengesthey face. Difficult experiences can be shared,explored, given shape and form through theatre.

The professional support and guidance thataccompanies workshops makes participantscontinued attendance and growth possible,helping them deal with aspects of their livesthat may be holding them back. The workshopscreate a positive environment with a focus onthe creative rather than the destructive, and thedevelopment of life-skills alongside.

Workshop participants often report a markedincrease in confidence, self-worth and self-belief,

as well as in self-presentation, listening and teamwork skills. They are also a training ground forCardboard Citizens actors who may then performin community productions, the Forum Theatre Touror other theatre productions.

All workshops are free, open-access and led byprofessional facilitators. They currently fall intotwo main categories: a Workshop Programme forthose over 18 with experience of homelessness,and a youth Theatre Programme, ACT NOW forthose aged 16-25 and either homeless or at riskof becoming so.

The Workshop Programme covers a wide

range of activities from acting skills and ForumTheatre, to movement, music-making, clowningand Samba drumming.

ACT NOW explores all aspects of the theatre-making process, from acting and devisingto script-writing and directing. Working withpartner organisations, we support all workshopparticipants to make positive changes in theirlives - whether its helping them to secure aqualification, join a training course, volunteer orfind employment.

y y

Inspire Participate

The Cardboard Citizens story The Cardboard Citizens story


29/45

Nurture Grow

Members who come along to our workshops findthat their confidence and motivation increasethrough regular participation:

We offer a range of tailored support toall Members:

Focussed and personalised Information,Advice and Guidance sessions to helppeople find employment and training.

General support with an emphasis on well-being maybe as simple as a cup of tea and achat, to help people feel part of our community.

Use of IT facilities in the office to prepare CVs,look for training or employment opportunities,or work on personal projects.

Cardboard Citizens hosts quarterly Membersmeetings where consultation takes place; atthese, Members elect Board Representatives,reflect on personal and Company-wideachievements, and are encouraged to feed intothe future development of Cardboard Citizensand its services.

The bulk of support sessions take place at

Cardboard Citizens HQ and at workshops butsupport is also offered by telephone or email.

Members are made aware of our support offerthrough Membership inductions, MembersMeetings, Forum Theatre Tour follow-up calls,workshop staff presence, Members e-alerts,social media and on our website.

Cardboard Citizens employs a team of trainedsupport workers to help participants grow inwhatever way they need, as they navigate a pathout of homelessness.

We offer a number of key progression routes:

The completion of the Personal EmployabilityAchievement and Reflection for Learning (PEARL)certificate, which is tied to projects culminatingin a public sharing or performance. This is anaccredited level 2 qualification within the NationalQualification Framework, measuring Membersself-awareness, social skills, management offeelings, empathy and motivation over the courseof their involvement in a creative project.

Peer Mentoring level 2 (QCF) and InterpersonalSkills level 1 qualifications can lead to a varietyof roles, voluntary and paid, within CardboardCitizens: Members have the opportunity tovolunteer with Cardboard Citizens in a varietyof roles such as Workshop Assistants,Outreach Assistants, Tour Ambassadorsand Evaluation Assistants.

As Members move from workshops to rehearsalsto a public performance, their skills are assessedand they are asked to reflect on the progressthey make at each stage. Regular reflection onachievements fosters a greater level of self-esteem and heightened aspiration, which leadsto Members making progress in other areas oftheir lives:

Into jobs, training, or education throughreferrals to other organisations withinCardboard Citizens wide network of partners;

With the advocacy of Cardboard Citizensstaff, to reconnect with a variety of supportservices that meet their needs.

Each year a small cohort of Members areemployed as paid actors for the Forum TheatreTour and for our large-scale Event Theatreproductions for the general public.

New Home Digital Reach


30/45

288

93

240

182

723total number of

individual visits

total number

of Membersvisiting

number of

IAG visits

number of

workshopvisits

number of Members

attending workshops

in the new space

1,231

likesonFacebook

4,328

followersonTwitter

peopleonCardboardCitizensMailingList

visitstothewebsite

visitorstothewebsite

5,200 33,263 21,191

Financial years


31/45

Incomingresources

Resourcesexpended

statut

oryincome

34%

How

peoplega

vetous

20122013

How

wespent

yourmoney

trusts&foundationsgrants

21%big

lotteryfunding

cor

poratedonations

14% 17%

individualgiving&events

earnedincome

4%

10%

cost

sofcharitableactivities

costsofgener

atingvoluntaryincome

costsofprovidingtrainingcourses

governancecosts

78%

7%

12%

3%

In 20122013 for every pound we weregiven, we spent:

78 pence on support and activities forhomeless people or people at risk ofbecoming homeless;

19 pence on generating funds and income; 3 pence on ensuring that the charity

runs effectively.

Reserves

Free reserves at 31 March 2013 were124,795. The Trustees intend to increase thislevel by focusing on increasing unrestrictedincome from new sources as well as greatercost recovery on specific projects.

At the end of the year Designated Funds wereas follows:

125,967 against the book value offixed operating assets that include officefurniture, office equipment and leaseholdimprovements;

26,000 designated for future capitalexpenditure.

At the end of the year 30,000 in funds wererestricted for the Youth Theatre Programmesfuture activities.

This summary financial information showsthe income raised for our activities, the costof raising the income and the amounts spenton our charitable activities. The informationis taken from the full financial statementswhich have been approved by the Trusteeson 22 October 2013. In order to gain a fullunderstanding of the financial affairs of thecharity, the full audited financial statements,

Trustees annual report and auditors reportshould be consulted. Copies can be obtainedfrom Cardboard Citizens.

Graham FisherChair

Signed on behalf of the Trustees

Statutory Income 238,035

Trusts & FoundationsGrants 146,366

Big Lottery Funding 96,464

Corporate Donations 121,451

Individual Giving& Events 26,156

Earned Income 74,349

Total 702,821

Costs of charitableactivities 587,330

Costs of generatingvoluntary income 52,479

Costs of providingtraining courses 88,386

Governance costs 26,283

Total 754,478

Training Cardboard Citizens77A Greenfield RoadLondon E1 1EJ


32/45

114

countries

represented

on Cardboard

Citizens

Theatre of the

Oppressed

Courses

number of

professionals

trained in

Theatre of the

Oppressed

techniques

number of

professionals

trained in

delivering social

inclusion & arts

projects

15

281

London E1 [email protected] 7377 8948


Photography:Cardboard CitizensHugh Hill of HMDigiartSimon AnnandRobert Day

Design: interabang.uk.com





33/45

Untold Stories


34/45


35/45

Stories Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013

Untold Stories


36/45


Stories Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013Stories Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013


37/45

T: 55

I was heavily into drink and drugs before I metCardboard Citizens. I lived in a squat when I wasa youngster and I spent a short time in prisonbefore becoming a single mum at 21. After that Iwent off the rails and continued to struggle withdepression and addiction. I didnt do very well atschool but I always loved drama.

The first thing I did with Cardboard Citizens wasthe Forum Theatre training workshop with Terry.

Then I performed at Riverside Studios in A FewMan Fridaysas well as in the last two fundraisingdinners with Kate Winslet. Everyone was reallynice and we all connected.

We had a Members meeting then and I put myselfforward to be a Members Rep. I got elected. It isreally rewarding because you get to hear aboutthe other side of Cardboard Citizens, go to boardmeetings and figure out how the organisation isrun. Youre there to help the Members if theyrestruggling, help with any issues, or send them toadvice and guidance.

I feel absolutely supported by all the staff. Tas hasgiven me so much help and support with a court

case that put me in a right state. The advice andguidance here is brilliant. And the other Membershave been of great help. A lot of people here arein recovery, they have been clean for years sothey make great support. Being part of CardboardCitizens has really given me lots of opportunitiesto build good friendships, grow stronger and alsotake part in things I love.

My proudest moment? I think performing at bothfundraising dinners was incredible and just beingwith people. At the last Members Meeting I didntrealise all the reps and volunteers will get a littlemedal. Its not gold or anything but its reallyprecious for me, I felt really proud. I f elt like Ima Cardboard Citizens Member, Ive got this toprove it. Its amazing, a great feeling. I just lovethis organisation. I think its brilliant and it haschanged my life. I have met a lot of good peopleand Im back in recovery now which is really good.

Im on medication and managing my depression.My daughter is really proud of me.

Ive felt challenged artistically and personally. TheCardboard Citizens Peer Mentoring course wasquite challenging, being able to work together.Theatre is all about group work, collaboration,the ensemble. I like to get everyone together, becreative and have fun. Im really looking forward tothe Stanislavski workshops.

Ive had a lot of opportunities for professionaltraining here, and to gain qualifications. I have myown dream of running a little community theatreschool near where I live for disadvantaged kids. Iam really interested in Boals work, its something

I totally believe in, its so relevant to whatsgoing on in the country now and how people aretreated. For working class people, people on thestreets, or who havent got money I can only seeit getting worse. Cardboard Citizens is a safeplace to be, to explore issues and how you makechange in yourself and society, to look at things.

Cardboard Citizens tells stories that need to betold. Stories from other worlds, stories that helptheir tellers get a handle on their lives. Storieswhich otherwise would not see the light of theatre.Untold stories whose homeless protagonistscould be any one of us, with a little bad luck.

Poor naked wretches,wheresoer you are

That bide the peltingof this pitiless storm.

King Lear, Act III, Sc 4

It is no accident that Shakespeares plays sooften feature the homeless and the outcast this extremity of the human condition, bareunaccomodated man, holds a natural fascinationfor any artist who wishes to explore the essenceof what it is to be human in this world.

And it is in the nature of Cardboard Citizens workthat we meet people who have had such difficultexperiences and have stories to tell about them.The strand of Cardboard Citizens work whichjoins these stories from homeless Members withclassic texts and larger geopolitical themes joining the stories of little people to the sweepof big history and mainstream culture we havecalled Event Theatre. This title came partly froma sense of trying to create unique theatricalexperiences, which could have the quality of an

event in peoples lives and partly a sense oftrying to give theatre back its significance.

Often site-specific or site-sensitive, theseproductions have also sometimes involvedcollaboration with other theatre companies, withthe added benefit of enabling our own mainlyself-taught actors to work alongside seasonedperformers with more conventional tr aining.Often there has also been a slot within thepieces for a larger group of Cardboard CitizensMembers to participate, in a chorus-like way.The national media coverage in previews andreviews enhances the Companys profile and, in avirtuous circle, helps us raise and maintain fundsto support the frontline work which inspires it.

The following pages present some of the untoldstories we have told over the last two decades.

TellingUntold

Stories

MemberSpotlight

01

The Woyzeck

Stories Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013 Stories Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013


38/45

TheBeggars

OperaJohn Gays The Beggars Operais loosely based onthe true story of the outlaws Jonathan Wild and JackSheppard. Our adaptation a collaboration with theEnglish National Opera (ENO) updated the songs

to include classic pop, and included reference tothe actual conditions of imprisoned debtors in the

18th century, researched from contemporaneousaccounts. The performers were drawn equally fromCardboard Citizens and the ENO, and the play wasstaged in a converted swimming pool in Bridewell,

close to the site of the original debtors prison.____

The Beggars Operaafter John Gay E NO co-production1999 Bridewell Theatre, London

TheLower

DepthsThe Lower Depthsby Maxim Gorky was the first

production in Cardboard Citizens history aimed at amore general audience, rather than toured to hostels

for a homeless audience. The Company adaptedGorkys tale by performing it in the basement of thehostel where Cardboard Citizens was then based.

The collaborator was London Bubble Theatre, and theuntold stories unfolded through a guest slot wherebydifferent homeless people on different nights told of

their own trials and tribulations with the hostel system.____

The Lower DepthsMaxim Gorky London Bubble co-production

1996 Mayor Street Hostel, Hackney, London;1998 Clink Street Vaults, London Bridge, London

WoyzeckWoyzeckwas a modern-day take on Georg

Bchners classic play, originally inspired by anewspaper article about a voice-hearing man

in the 1830s who murdered his mistress.Our reading of the play investigated the

nature of schizophrenia, informed by voice-hearers who participated in the research

and development process. Thus a real-lifestory led to Bchners fiction, which was

then further informed by Cardboard Citizensand others telling of their experiencesof

schizophrenia in modern-day Britain.____Woyzeck

after Georg Bchner2008 Southwark Playhouse, London

02

Pericles

Stories Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013Stories Cardboard Citizens Annual Review 20122013


39/45

PericlesPericleswas a unique collaboration with the

Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), fusing thenarratives of asylum seekers from around the

world with Shakespeares classic tale of exile, lossand reunion. A small-scale story-telling versionof the play was taken around asylum-seeker

centres and used to initiate reciprocal story-tellingby refugees in the audiences. The testimony

contained in these previously untold stories wasthen incorporated into a large-scale site-specificproduction of the play, in a disused warehouse

complex on the Old Kent Road.____

PericlesWilliam Shakespeare/Adrian Jackson

RSC co-production2003 Old Kent Road, London

TimonVisible



40/45

Timonof Athens

Timon of Athenswas our response to the RSCsinvitation to participate in their Complete WorksFestival, a celebration of Shakespeares opus.The story is about a rich man made poor, who

becomes a hermit, living in a hole in the groundin the forest. As with Pericles, this production

brought in modern-day stories of similar recluses:an old friend of the Company, once known asThe Mole Man of Hackney, who dug tunnels

out of his house causing the road to collapse;a refugee who lived behind public tennis courtsin Cambridge; a misanthropist who lived in the

woods outside Bath.____

Timon of AthensWilliam Shakespeare/Adrian Jackson

2006 The Shakespeare Centre, Stratford-Upon-Avon;Waterfront Studio, Belfast; The Nuffield, Southampton;

Union Chapel, London

VisibleVisiblewas an extraordinary new commission fromwriter Sarah Woods an untellable story, perhaps- which at first sight was a collaboration between

actors from both the RSC and CardboardCitizens, featuring a middle-class family Sundaylunch much in the manner of Alan Ayckbourn.Fairly rapidly, the production appeared to stutter

to a halt, as actors forgot lines or walked out,and participating audience members enduredunexpected humiliation. Later it was revealed

that this was all part of the show, exploring ourcomplacency about and complicity in the untoldthousands of stories of disaster and poverty in

far-flung parts of the world.____

VisibleSarah Woods R SC co-commission

2005 Contact Theatre, Manchester; Trinity Theatre,Tunbridge Wells; Lighthouse Studio, Poole; Gardner

Arts, Brighton; Theatre Royal, Bath; Everyman,Liverpool; Soho Theatre, London

07

Mincemeat



41/45

MincemeatMincemeat, by Adrian Jackson and Farhana Sheikh,explored a real-life historical incident, a World WarII Allies deception known as Operation Mincemeat.

In 1943, the body of an unknown man droppedoff the coast of Spain in the guise of a courier, thecenterpiece of an elaborate trick intended to makethe Germans believe that the Allies would re-enter

Europe through Sardinia, rather than Sicily. Not untilfifty years later was his identity revealed, as that of a

homeless vagrant from Wales. The production invitedthe audience to promenade around two remarkablebuildings, walking through this newly revealed story

room by room. This successful show was first shownin 2000, and revived to great acclaim in 2009,

winning an Evening Standard award. A version of theproduction was broadcast on Radio Three in 2011.

____Mincemeat

Farhana Sheikh/Adrian Jackson2001 Jam Factory, Bermondsey, London;

2009 Cordy House, Hoxton, London

A Few



42/45

A FewMan

FridaysA Few Man Fridaysby Adrian Jackson told a storywhich successive British governments would ratherhave kept secret the shameful yet true account of

the forced removal in 1973 of two thousand peoplefrom the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, to

make way for an American military base. Discoveredthrough the eyes of a homeless Rastafarian tracinghis family history, the play brought events right up tothe present day, with the designation of the area as

a Marine Protection Area by Tony Blairs government- a ruse which further reduced the likelihood of the

campaigning Chagossian people to be allowed backin their homeland.

____A Few Man Fridays

Adrian Jackson2012 Riverside Studios, London


Event

Cardboard Citizens77A Greenfield RoadLondon E1 1EJwww.cardboardcitizens.org.uk

il@ db d i i k


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Theatre inthe Future

Mincemeatand A Few Man Fridayswere the firsttwo parts of a t rilogy of History Plays. The thirdpart is currently in development, and will tell the

story of the Westminster gerrymandering scandal

of the early 1990s, which involved the removal ofthe homeless population of the borough in order

to change the electoral makeup.

Over the next five years, this strand of work willbecome an annual event in the calendar. Newcommissions will be mixed with adaptations

of existing texts in a series of hacked classics,incorporating Cardboard Citizens unique knowledge

of life on the margins. The company will grow andbroaden its audience for this area of its work andcontinue to tell untold stories that need to be told.

[email protected] 7377 8948


Photography:Cardboard CitizensHugh Hill of HMDigiartSimon Annand

Robert DayDesign: interabang.uk.com





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Untold Stories


45/45

untold stories: cardboard citizens' annual review 2012-2013

Documents

cardboard citizens hasbeen

cardboard citizensand

life stories

support fromcardboard

mental health people

marginalised people

past people

forhomeless people