Anthology is a professional performance project co-created with young people, for young people. Reimagining the GCSE poetry anthology Worlds and Lives.
In a powerful new approach, Anthology brings to life a new collection of poetry being studied in schools, sharing an appreciation for diverse voices in literature.
For the pilot in May 2024, 10 local students were invited to be creative directors, collaborating with professional artists, performers and poets. They began by working with Birmingham and Coventry poet laureates Jasmine Gardosi and John Bernard to explore the GCSE Anthology, and write their own original poems as a response. Those original poems from the students then featured in the final performance.
The young people then collaborated with professional performers, taking on roles as choreographers, producers, and directors, using their creativity to craft and shape the final piece. Together, they enhanced the emotional depth of the piece, translating their poems into sequences of evocative, lyrical and impactful movement.
The initiative invites young people to engage with poetry in a dynamic, accessible and hands-on way. It aims to become a key part of learning for 14-16-year-olds across the country, reigniting a passion for learning in those who may have become disengaged.
Watch now to learn more about Anthology
