18
October,
2023
Tackling knife crime and county lines, arts charity Vita Nova's hard-hitting new play The Wasps Nest will debut at Boscombe's Black Cherry Theatre.
Boscombe-based charity Vita Nova, a community arts charity helping people in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, launches its hard-hitting new play The Wasps Nest, as it expands its arts curriculum.
Boscombe-based arts charity Vita Nova has been supported by Talbot Village Trust with a £22,000 donation to increase its free creative workshops to help more people on the journey of recovery from substance misuse.
Workshops include performance activities, creative writing, musical theatre, and backstage responsibilities and each aim to increase the social skills and self-esteem of those taking part.
Made possible through funding from Dorset Public Health and Talbot Village Trust, the charity’s new performance, The Wasps Nest, will debut at Black Cherry Theatre on Tuesday 24 October. From January 2024, the show will head into schools across Dorset to support the BCP Young Person Serious Violence Group.
Written by Vita Nova Artistic Director Dr Sharon Muiruri Coyne, the play was developed through research and dialogue with young people and those who have experienced first-hand the impact of drug and knife crime.
Michael Armstrong, Creative Producer at Vita Nova, said: “It’s important for us to ensure our services can reach out and provide a safe space and creative outlet for people in our community on their journey to recovery. With the financial help from Talbot Village Trust we can invest, not just in equipment and services, but also in the people who make our work so effective.
“Direct endorsement and financing from Public Health Dorset has enabled this work to be developed at a time when concerns of parents, guardians and teachers across the area have escalated, given tragic local events earlier this year.”
He added: “At Vita Nova, our message is always one of hope and as we engage with schools through their PSHE curriculum, one we hope to bring to as many students as possible in 2024.”
Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, Chairman at Talbot Village Trust, said: “Our Trust’s philosophy is focused on enabling people to regain control of their lives and to live well. Alcohol and drug addiction come in many forms and levels and can have a strong impact on wellbeing and mental health. We’re honoured to be providing Vita Nova with the essential funding it needs to help individuals who are recovering from addiction. “The passion behind these productions and the quality of work produced demonstrates how arts education can be powerful and transformative.”
He added: “By accessing support and guidance at the right time, these vital services can reduce harm and illness, lessen the impact on the health service, and provide life-changing outcomes for service users.”
As part of Vita Nova’s creative workshops, the charity puts on productions of original plays where beneficiaries can take on the rewarding challenge of performing, designing, and many other behind-the-scenes responsibilities.
Other productions have included art exhibitions, musicals, and dramatised presentations as part of its drug awareness outreach programme with local schools.
To apply for our funding, head here to submit an online application. The Trust meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants across South-East Dorset.
Book tickets for The Wasp’s Nest at Black Cherry Theatre on Tuesday 24th October.
