Swim, Aunty, Swim! is a profound, poetic story of friendship, loss, sisterhood, motherhood, ageing, starting again, and the sublime power of water.
Please see here for a more detailed content advisory.
We have curated the following selection of activities to help our audiences explore and process their experiences of the show and signpost to relevant resources should they need it.
The following activities have been planned and co-delivered with Charlotte Temple from University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW) and her team.
Activities to do together:
Be Part of the Story
Using stories, pictures and poems from our Coventry community, we have curated a unique exhibition that explores the power and importance of water to who we are and our memories.
Take a moment to read, absorb and enjoy these stories on your way into Swim, Aunty, Swim!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this exhibition.
Location: Outside B2
Times: Across the whole run, Tues 21 May – Sat 1 June
The Waves
We invite you to contribute to a cumulative installation throughout the run, ‘The Waves’.
We aim to support audience members to process any emotions and feelings that come up after having watched the show.
We hope that The Waves will evolve and grow as the show goes on, to become a sea of words.
Location: Outside B2
Times: Across the whole run, Tues 21 May – Sat 1 June
Centering the experience of Black West African Women, a facilitated conversation hosted by Tobi Oredein
Thursday 30 May – Post Show (7.45pm) – BSL Interpreted
A facilitated conversation to discuss the importance of putting black West African women front and centre on our stages with Tobi Oredein, founder of Black Ballad, a media and membership company for and by black women in Britain and beyond. The talk is free and open to everyone who has purchased a ticket and will last between 30-45 minutes.
Tobi Ordein biog below
For the past 10 years, Tobi Oredein has been at the helm of Black Ballad, a media and membership company for and by black women in Britain and beyond. Through its exceptional journalism, national events, and collaborations with renowned brands including Google, Spotify, Dove, eBay, and others, Black Ballad has emerged as the prominent voice for black women in Europe. To date, the company has paid over £750,000 to black women and individuals for their contributions, and this year, it has set a goal of reaching a total payout of £1 million to black women and individuals by the end of 2024.
Post Show Q&A
Saturday 1 June – Post Show (2.15pm)
A post show Q&A with some of the creative team behind Swim, Aunty, Swim! A chance for you, the audience, to ask questions, get an insight into the creative process and hear a little bit more of how this show went from page to stage.
Activities for self-reflection:
Self-Care Kit
We have created a document containing a more detailed exploration of the show and signposting support. The kit will contain a full synopsis, themes and links to resources.
Hard copies of the self-care kit will be available outside B2 and an online digital copy on our website.
Matchbox Memories
Arts & Craft Activity: Decorate your own match box and place inside a memory, thought or object that is personal to you.
Location: Outside B2
Times: After selected shows, dates and times coming soon.
A Caring Exit: Pick a Poem
Before you leave the theatre, select an envelope based on how you are feeling or what emotion you are seeking. Each envelope will contain a poem for you to read.
Location: Outside B2
Times: Across the whole run, Tues 21 May – Sat 1 June