This is a unique opportunity to perform in this play with its professional cast in the vital roles of the

Greek island, Lesbos community.

The play’s Director, Karen will already have worked (in Scotland) with the cast Actors. They will be ready to go onstage.

She will then take the principal actors to work with the first community cast in Paisley (nr Glasgow) at

The STAR Project for a day.

“But! What would I have to do!?” You might scream…

Let’s just say, ‘Janet’ is coming along. She’s really intrigued. She already knows the above. She is excited to take part in something which tackles inequalities, the rumblings of fascism around the world and gives her back some feeling of empowerment.

I arrived at the community hall. There was already a dozen other people matching my own excitement

and nerves. I was approached straight away and warmly welcomed by a woman introducing herself as Effie, the Writer! She showed me how to register, get a name badge, info sheet and, importantly, she showed me where refreshments were! “Oooh! Is that my favourite Kit-Kats there!?”

I could see that it seems the full company are there, gabbing, laughing, making sure they meet everyone and that nobody is left alone or feelin’ awkward. Although my flamin’ tummy was tumbling, I felt safe and welcomed.

Not least because pre-registration had asked if there were any particular barriers or

considerations the company could be aware of, to ease comfort for all. Well, I’d explained that my

neuro-diversity means that I can become sensory-over-stimulated and may need quiet space. On arrival,

there was a wee sunflower sticker on my name badge and I was shown a quiet, breakaway room with

apt blankets, cushions, where I could come and use my headphones if needed.

They all gathered together and the information, formal welcomes and introductions were done in great

humour and enthusiasm. The room was buzzin’!

Karen (Director), explained the programme for the day. She reminded us all that taking part in the day’s

workshop was what was most important and that, anyone, at any point could choose not to join the

performance onstage… There was the option to be in the wings, adding our voice, just be in the

audience or … decide to stay home. That was reassuring. Then … the work began!

Non-threatening, no-pressure ice-breakers are introduced – They’re really helpful and a great laugh.

We then all started experimenting with our facial, expressions, body-language etc … Really thinking

about how varying emotions and situations are reflected through our bodies.

Activities then become more specific to the play and scenes we’ll be in.

It was great to know that we wouldn’t have to fully remember every wee thing in just one day, as there

were already professional actors in the roles of ‘Lesbos community’, so, we would always have them as

a prompt to follow.