Women & Theatre presents Looking Back, Moving Forwards
Researched & written by Janice Connolly & Hannah Graham.
An entertaining collection of monologues reflecting the experiences of older LGBT+ people from Birmingham, reflecting and celebrating the progress this generation was responsible for.
Developed from research, the piece looks back to the past, at how things were for people coming out, going out, at work and with family; drawing connections with their experiences now.
The performances were followed by a discussion facilitated by W&T’s Artistic Director Janice Connolly which make connections with the experiences of younger LGBT+ people today.
Looking Back, Moving Forwards was originally commissioned by Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust in 2019.
Back in 2018 Women & Theatre worked with staff and service users in the development of a theatre piece exploring the diverse experiences of older LGBT people; looking back to that past – at how things were for LGBT people coming out, going out, at work and with family, and drawing connections with their experiences now as well as with the experiences of younger LGBT people today.
During December and early January, W&T’s Artistic Director, Janice Connolly and freelance writer Hannah Graham carried out research; speaking to LGBT people through individual interviews, Skype conversations and small group discussions. They spoke to people aged 55+ of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
From research, Janice and Hannah wrote this collection of monologues, entitled Looking Back, Moving Forwards. It premiered at BSMHFT’s LGBT Celebration Event at the H Suite in Edgbaston on Thursday 14 February 2019. It has since been performed at different BSMHFT in-patient settings and at BSMHFT’s National Day for Staff Networks: Leading for Change Event.
Listen to the Podcast
The performance has been adapted into a podcast which is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts from. Simply search Women & Theatre in your chosen app or listen to the show below.
Audience Feedback
“The performance was fabulous it completely kept me engaged and the discussion afterwards gave an added perspective”
“The monologues are inspiring as they give you awareness of people’s experiences and what they have been or are going through just to be who they want to be and love who they want to love.”
“I learnt a great deal about LGBT history and the experiences of LGBT people.”
Creative Team
Written by Hannah Graham & Janice Connolly
Originally Performed by Janice Connolly, Richard Curnow and Bharti Patel
Funded by
Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust LGBT+ Network
