Speak Your Truth

Speak Your Truth | 27th – 30th August | Draper Hall

A Taking Part Project from the Young Vic & The Beth Centre (Women In Prison) 

Speak Your Truth is a brand-new festival which has been specially designed & curated by clients and advocates of the Beth centre. Across the month of July the cohort of women (creators) on the programme have created a festival itinerary that celebrates womanhood, family and community through the lens of strength, joy and sisterhood.

The events across the week are moments and experiences created to explore the effects of the criminal justice system and further the importance of connection that encourages audiences to leave each day with a question answered.

This festival centres healing and advocacy through conversation, workshops, events and exploration of art forms. Join us for a week of reflective thought and deep dive into the creativity of the women who made it happen.

To express your interest in attending any of the events please fill out the forms below and the team will email you to confirm your place. Please note spaces are limited and based on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions or enquiries, please contact neighbourhoodtheatre@youngvic.org.

Tuesday 27th August

Twerkin N Healin | 15:00-16:00 | Open To All | 18+

A movement workshop lead by Kelechi Okafor to awaken your body through the expressive art form of twerking. Join us for an afternoon of music, vibes and laughter that will leave your soul full of joy.

This workshop is now booked to capacity.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings | 19:00-21:30 | Open To All

A live podcast talk; lead by Lei and Leah from the cohort who are exploring the effects of the criminal justice system, pertaining to women and family. Featuring Neah Inspired, Nequela Whittaker and Richie Brave. Join us for an evening of critical discussion served with patties and prosecco.

Wednesday 28th August

Shout Out | 12:00-14:00 | Draper Together & Neighbourhood Theatre Members Only

A bingo afternoon in connection with Draper Together’s weekly foodhub for the local community. Including a special lunch for the members and exciting prize giveaways. This event is a Speak Your Truth edition, exclusively for the members of Draper Together and Neighbourhood Theatre Company 55+ Members. If you are eligible to sign up for this event please contact neighbourhoodtheatre@youngvic.org for more information.

Cooked Up | 15:00-17:00 | Women In Prison Clients Only

A workshop event exploring cooking methods in prison to ignite conversations and unlock memories that resemble strength in a space crafted for healing and expression. This event has been exclusively curated for clients and advocates for the organisation Women In Prison. If you are eligible to sign up for this event please contact neighbourhoodtheatre@youngvic.org for more information.

Thursday 29th August

Aromatherapy Workshop | 12:00-14:00 | Women in Prison Clients Only

An exploration of the seven energy centres with aromatherapy and bodywork practitioner Sakli Sessou. Discover how aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in supporting your seven energy centres (also known as chakras), in an immersive afternoon of wellness with expert aromatherapist, Sakli Sessou. Celebrated in Tatler and The Financial Times, Sakli will introduce the properties of essential oils and guide you in creating your own bespoke bath salts and body oil. This event has been exclusively curated for clients and advocates for the organisation Women In Prison. If you are eligible to sign up for this event please contact neighbourhoodtheatre@youngvic.org for more information.

Free Up Yourself | 19:00-21:30 | Open To All

An open mic night dedicated to the theme of advocacy that encourages all to speak their truth. Join us for an evening of performances including speeches from the cohort, music, poetry and food. This night highlights the power of our voices to bring about change.

Friday 30th August

Little Voices, Big Dreams | 12:00-16:00 | BeEmpowerment CIC & Women In Prison Clients Children Only ( 7-16 years old)

A day event for children and young people including a BBQ, live music and games. Featuring a mini parliament event hosted by Kelechi Okafor. All parents/carers will need to stay at the event with children under 10 years old. If you are eligible to sign up for this event please contact neighbourhoodtheatre@youngvic.org for more information.

Talk Di Tings | 19:00 –22:00 | Open To All

The finale event for the Speak Your Truth festival, celebrating the creators and the community with a closing party. Join us for an evening of food, music and vibes.

Creators: Leah, Lei, Patience and Tracey-Ann

Lead Artist Kelechi Okafor
Filmmaker Bukola Bakinson
Beth Centre Hubs Manager Pamela Price
Beth Centre Advocate Ketrina Brisefert 
Creative Producer Alisha Artry
Assistant Producer Enyonam Ansah 
Community Partner Beth Centre (Women In Prison) 
Festival Venue Draper Hall