The young people who make up our Youth Advisory Board have created a poem to highlight hidden voices and stories from our history.
Closed Ears
The eyes of anticipation, the claws of yes and no.
They knew I would be here, so why are they shocked
Confused and doubtful emotions that resonated like a drum
My tongue at the roof of my mouth
Bursts of applause if done right, cursed if wrong.
Yet I know that sound flows to closed ears
The first time I was here, I knew there would be talk,
Whispers tell me this is a first in town
people are holding their breaths. This is my place
Not quite home, but close enough.
RSC Youth Advisory Board & Casey Bailey
Illuminate: Hidden Histories
Our Youth Advisory Board was formed to help us better understand and meet the needs of young people. For the 'Illuminate: Hidden Histories' project, they worked with Director Aaron Parsons and Poet Casey Bailey, to explore ways of amplifying hidden voices and stories from our history and the RSC Collection.
In a series of workshops over the summer of 2024, the group crafted a collective work inspired by three actors from the global majority who have played a significant role in our history. These three are Edric Connor, Paul Robeson and Josette Simon. The group focused particularly on items from our collection relating to these actors, and the time they spent with the RSC.
The gaps in our knowledge about them tell their own story. We are showcasing the poem across the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and sharing the stories of those who inspired it.
