React

Established in 2001, React is a youth theatre made up of young people, aged 14 to 18, from different cultural and national backgrounds. The group work together on drama that explores the social, cultural and political issues which are important to them. React perform their work regularly at venues around London including schools, theatres and festivals and are encouraged to develop skills in performing, writing, directing, marketing and other areas of the arts that interest them.
"Rewrite tackles subjects that are important to us, such as asylum, bullying and changing people's attitudes."
Damilola Ogutuga, age 16, React member

Creative ESOL

Since February 2007 Rewrite have pioneered this innovative programme, bringing together skilled drama facilitators and qualified ESOL tutors to develop a new approach to support young people from abroad to learn English and build self-confidence and social networks. The after-school sessions are specifically aimed at young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds who are unable to fully access mainstream education because of language barriers.

"Rewrite's Creative ESOL programme gave the young people who participated from our school a great leap forward with their language skills, confidence and integration into mainstream secondary school. It was a fantastic opportunity for them."
Delia Rolls, SENco, Sacred Heart School

Get Involved
For more information on how to get involved with these projects go to Get Involved

Where and When

React sessions take place on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm during term time.

Creative ESOL sessions take place on Mondays from 4pm to 6pm on Mondays during term time.

Both projects are based at Walworth Methodist Church, 54 Camberwell Rd, London SE5 0EN.


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Bus routes: 12, 35, 40, 42, 45, 68, 148, 171, 176, 343, 468

Under the Same Sun 2011
Creative writing project at City of London Academy for year 7 and 8 EAL students, culminating in a
printed booklet of the young people’s stories.

The Living Newspaper 2010-11
Drama and media project involving the development of newspaper theatre techniques, a newspaper
theatre performance and relevant training workshops for youth practitioners led by young people.

Joined Up Writing, 2010
Playwriting project for students at St Saviours and St Olaves and Harris Girls Academy East Dulwich
exploring the history of immigration into the UK. Culminated in a rehearsed reading of the students’
work by professional actors.

One Stage, Many Voices 2009
Verbatim project, collecting the voices of the local community regarding perceptions of young people in South London, culminating in a performance at Oval House Theatre.

Brave Steps 2009
Storytelling project around the theme of 'arrival', working with Key Stage 1 and 2 at Robert Browning Primary school, Walworth, culminating in a performance and booklet of stories and illustrations (STEP festival 2009).

Desperate Times 2008
Devising project, re-working 'The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui' by Bertolt Brecht. Final performance at the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm.

Lyrical MC 2007-8
Partnership with acclaimed theatre company, Tamasha where React toured a new play based on youth experiences in a multi-cultural secondary school to professional theatres throughout London.

Spilt Milk 2007
Summer film project in partnership with the Charlie Chaplin Inclusive Playground in Kennington through which young people produced a short film to combat negative perceptions of young people in South London.

Dem Neeky Endz 2007
Devising/performing project with St Saviours & St Olaves School, looking at violence and racial tensions amongst London teenagers.

Southwark Together Festival 2006
A collaboration with local and regional groups including National Theatre's City Ambassadors and Blue Elephant Theatre's Youth Theatre.

I Am Whatever I Say I Am 2006
Lead delivery partners in the borough-wide Southwark STEP Festival. With Southwark Refugee Artists Network, toured a short play to schools, delivered poetry workshops with new arrivals and produced a writing anthology.

Southwark Suitcases Festival 2004
A week-long festival delivered in partnership with the Blue Elephant Theatre and Aylwin Girls School, focusing on journeys and welcoming new arrivals.

Maybe it's Because I'm a Londoner 2004
A devised play and celebration event, exploring reactions to refugees in the UK.