Alexander Ferris, Associate Director (Creative Engagement): “We have loved getting to know and celebrating the extraordinary vitality and creativity that exists in one of our neighbouring communities. Finding out about these amazing storytellers has been enlightening and hugely rewarding for our team of artists working in the area. We are thrilled that the people who have taken part in the projects so far are keen to come to the Playhouse and share their skills, their views, their experience, their talents in our city centre spaces. We are looking forward to the dialogue that will continue between the Playhouse and Harehills in the coming year – these events are just the beginning!”

Writing our Harehills

Following Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan’s role as writer-in-residence at Leeds Playhouse, Community advocate Natalie Tharraleos approached Suhaiymah to kickstart some writing work within Harehills, in partnership with the Thackray Museum of Medicine.

After years of negative press, people from all over the neighbourhood came together to write poems about their Harehills.

After a series of inspiring and galvanising sessions at the Thackray Museum of Medicine and a range of spaces in the local area, everyone involved felt they wanted to share their work wider, so more people could enjoy their true stories of Harehills.

The group. who have been working together since autumn 2022, will share their writing at a free evening of spoken word on Monday 20 March at Leeds Playhouse in front of a live audience.

Everyone is invited – there’s no need to book – just come along to Level 2 of at the Playhouse for some light bites and plenty of nourishing poetry.

Sharing Our  Harehills

Breaking Down Barriers Creativity Club is a group of young people living in Harehills. They meet every Thursday to explore what it means to be a young person right now in Harehills and how they can use theatre and creativity to shout about what they want and who they are.

The group is led artistically by Lladel Bryant and Leah Francis with support from Carla Addyman and Adam Aslam.

Working together since last autumn, this is the first time they are sharing their work in front of a live audience.

Artist Adam Aslam said: “This project empowers young people in Harehills to express themselves and their experiences through positive creative arts, and explore the best elements of their community.”

Special Project Manager Lily Craig said: “We’re so proud of the incredible work that’s been bubbling away in Harehills over the last six months. We can’t wait to see the Creativity Club take to the stage in the Bramall Rock Void at Leeds Playhouse for the very first time. These young people have so much to say and we must be ready to listen.”

Dates for your Diary

WRITING OUR HAREHILLS
Monday 20 March
6pm – 8pm
Free
Leeds Playhouse, Level 2 Balcony
Unreserved – just turn up

SHARING OUR HAREHILLS
Saturday 25 March
1.30pm –2.45pm
Free, click below to book your seat
Leeds Playhouse Bramall Rock Void