Drama group launches today

THE city's first youth theatre group for both disabled and non-disabled youngsters is being launched at the Barbican Theatre today.

The launch of Strictly Collaborative, aimed at youngsters aged between 13 and 19, is part of How to Change the World in 7 Days, a youth-led initiative looking at different cultures.The group is the brainchild of Ems Coombes, 29, from Plymstock, born of her frustration that there were so few theatrical outlets for disabled youngsters in the city.Having suffered a stroke at 17, Ems has personal experience of the problem."This is difficult for young people with disabilities and it's a shame able-bodied people aren't benefiting from working with disabled people too," she said. "By the nature of their experiences, disabled people have something different to offer, which is being overlooked."

Tonight's launch event starts at 5pm and ends at 7pm. Em is also appealing for young people, volunteers and fundraisers and sponsors to get involved with the new drama group. Email ems_workshops@hotmail.co.uk or strictlycollaborative@live.co.uk.

 

This is Plymouth, 19th February 2009