Other Ways of Telling, our adult theatre group based in St.Helens, have been playing with the concept of democracy, asking questions about how power is distributed and whether people really do have a say in how the country is run.

Since January the group have been meeting weekly, developing new artistic skills and working towards a performance highlighting these questions. What If…? was the outcome of this process, a street theatre piece which was performed three times in St.Helens town centre on Saturday 18th April 2015.

 

 

 

“It was excellent, really informative and engaging.” 
– Audience Member

“Since joining Collective Encounters I think my confidence has grown a lot, I’ve gotten to do things I didn’t think I would do and I think I’ve broadened my social circle as well so I’ve really enjoyed it.”
– Participant

“I like the fact it was dealing with the issues that are coming up towards the election and was getting people to get out there and vote.”
– Audience Member

“I’ve learnt and I’ve got better, in the sense that I’m not as self-aware and I’m more confident.”
– Participant

WHAT IF…? Ways you can make a difference

1. VOTE!
On May 7th, you can choose to vote for your preferred party or choose to spoil your ballot paper to indicate that none of the parties speak for you. To find out more about these options why not visit About My Vote.

2. GET ACTIVE WITH A NATIONAL LOBBYING GROUP
There are many lobbying groups you can join such as 38 Degrees, one of the UK’s biggest campaigning companies, who share a desire for a more progressive, fairer, better society and their members come together to decide which issues to campaign on.

3. START YOUR OWN CAMPAIGN
If there are particular issues you feel strongly about you could join an existing lobby group or start your own. For advice and support on running your own campaign, visit:
Community Organisers
National Coalition of Independent Action

4. GET INVOLVED WITH LOCAL CAMPAIGN GROUP
These national movements have local groups that you could join:
The Merseyside People’s Assembly
38 Degrees Find a Local Group

5. STAND AS A COUNCILLOR YOURSELF
You could make contact with your local councillors and MPs, and even think about standing as a local councillor yourself. To find out more about how local government works, visit Be A Councillor or call 020 7664 3000

6. A FEW MORE USEFUL LINKS
If you want to make a difference and help to change things you might also be interested in finding out more about:

  • Indymedia: A network offering grassroots, non corporate coverage of important social and political issues
  • The Equality Trust: Working to improve the quality of life in the UK by reducing economic inequality
  • SumOfUs: A world-wide movement for a better global economy
  • Hope Not Hate: Seek to challenge and defeat the politics of hate and extremism within local communities

Other Ways of Telling will be performing WHAT IF…? again on Tuesday 5th May as part of the Unity Theatre’s U Decide Week on the lead up to the General Election 2015. To find out more about the performance, click here.