Our Arts Council Lottery funded project “Who are these People” was delivered in 2009, and worked with reugee and asylum seeker communities across Wales.

The project wasn’t without its problems – including the logistics and travel involved in working in the 4 dispersal areas of Wales. However it was also a very pleasing and humbling project as many refugee and asylum seekers shared their stories of the difficulties they experience here in Wales. We also managed to achieve our targets and to take forum theatre performances into schools, a theatre, a museum and even a library. We have also produced a DVD about this project, as it
also became my “Breakthrough Initiative” for a British Council leadership programme called Trust the Difference. As a result of my participation on this programme, the African concept of UBUNTU captured the essence of our project – It translates as

I am
because
You are
Because
We are!

We were delighted also that the Children’s Commissioner came to the final performance. This is what he said of the event
"I have been a supporter of Theatr Fforwm Cymru and its work for sometime. The
performances once again were powerful and impactful. Through seeing and hearing the experiences of those directly involved it helps everyone to understand what it feels like to be an asylum seeker or refugee in Wales. I was particularly taken by a performance given by two young children who explained how they felt when they were not able to go on a school trip with their friends. Powerful stuff indeed. It made me think and that's what we should all do.
When next I'm in a position to influence improvements for asylum seeker children I shall draw on their story and their feelings of loss, bewilderment and sadness. Things can be better for these children and all of us must hear what they say and work to improve things."