Severance, Cygnet New Theatre, Thursday 28th and Friday 29th June, 7.30pm
“Exeter will see the highest number of public sector job losses in the region, according to economists,” – This is Devon 1st March 2011
Now, in May 2012, with the IT giant Hewlett Packard laying off 27,000 of its global workforce and Clinton Cards closing 350 UK High Street outlets with the loss of 3000 jobs, the story just goes on and on and on ……
Responding to this is a new play which can be seen, this June, as part of Exeter’s Ignite Festival. It is a play that highlights how these times of cuts and severance are being experienced by real people.
Inspired by the reflections of people seeking work in this climate, this fictional piece is daring and outrageously funny in its irreverence.
Partnership organisations have worked with Interwoven Theatre to find individuals happy to share their experiences of trying to find work in this economic climate, particularly when disadvantaged.
Interwoven Theatre has had the pleasure of speaking to people with Crohn’s disease, with deafness, stammers, Cystic Fibrosis and Asperger’s. We have also heard from those who have been ‘encouraged’ out of their jobs because of age and young people finding it impossible to get started.
Writer, JoJo Spinks, said: “Each interview has been an absolute privilege. The play is entirely fictional but the stories we have heard have enhanced our understanding of the issues that people face.”
New Theatre, Friar’s Gate, Exeter – box office 01392 277189.
It has been supported by Exeter Arts Council and the testimony has been gathered with the assistance of the following partnership organisations:
Crohn’s and Colitis UK, Exeter Group
St Loyes Foundation
Groundwork SW
Pluss
University of the Third Age, Exeter