Groundbreaking play challenging homophobia and bullying available to Manchester Schools

The play is called OUTLOUD and is performed by members of Hope Theatre Company. Using the words of pupils interviewed exclusively for the piece, it tells the story of young lesbian gay bisexual and transsexual people in Manchester and their experiences in the wider community.

The play's emotional climax is an uncompromising short film about the death of gay student Matthew Shepard. However, the play also features uplifting anecdotes about young LGBT people being celebrated by their families and peers.

The actors are often approached by LGBT students after performances.

'After the first performance I was approached by a student who wanted to thank us for bringing the play to her school,' says Director Adam Zane. 'She said that she was a lesbian and couldn't tell anyone in the school. She said that she was pleased with the audience's reaction to the play and that she felt more able to confront homophobia after seeing the play. This was a young person who felt empowered, which is exactly what we were hoping for'.

'There is still a long way to go' says Adam; 'we have witnessed and heard a lot about how the issue of homophobia affects young people in Manchester schools but also seen a lot of young people wanting to support this initiative and find ways to end discrimination in their schools.'

Following performances of the OUTLOUD play, students have been taking part in a workshop organised by Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (LGYM). This has included several activities including a question and answer session, which frankly addresses students' questions about LGBT life.

There is also a specially commissioned film available on DVD for schools to support their PSHE curriculum work.

The second phase of OUTLOUD showcases will take place between Monday 9th June 2008 - Friday 20th June 2008, throughout Manchester.

If you would like information on the play or the Exceeding Expectations initiative Tel: 07866445985 or e-mail: exceedingexpectations@lgf.org.uk

Exceeding Exectations is a collaboration between the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, Manchester City Council Children's Services, Manchester Healthy Schools Partnership, Manchester Primary Care Trusts, Manchester Safeguarding Children Board, Manchester Multi-Agency anti-bullying policy and practice network, the Albert Kennedy Trust , Hope Theatre Company, Connexions, Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester, 42nd Street and EIC schools, colleges and universities in Manchester.

Picture caption
Adam Zane's OUTLOUD offers strong performances from its four cast members; Zoe Iqbal, Chris Michael Hall, Steve Myott & Erin Shanagher pictured here with the director.