Portrait of a Nation

Project Aim

For young people to explore identity through the eyes of the area they live in –to investigate how and if their own individual identities are influenced and shaped by this area and to identify which elements of their own and the cities heritage they want to save, share and pass on in the future.

The project is part of the national Portrait of a Nation programme, run by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Liverpool Culture Company, which will see young people across 18 UK cities explore national identity through a year-long programme of events and online activity.

Workshops

Young people in Liverpool have been working on a range of projects exploring their local culture, community and identity through comedy and animation. One team from Liverpool Youth Service based at Toxteth Sports Centre has been working with stand up comedians Chris Cairns, Sam Avery and drama practitioner Carly Henderson. They have devised a number of short comedy sketches. Benedit Sebuyange, 15 from Toxteth said:

"I wanted to do the workshops because I love comedy and wanted to do a sketch of my own. The workshops have made me more confident and helped me get to know more about the people I've worked with."

Natalie Lenehan, a youth support worker from Toxteth Sports Centre said:

“I feel the course definitely aided the young people’s personal development. It has not only helped to build self-esteem and confidence, it has helped to improve their communication skills, whether this has been verbal or non verbal communication.”

Outcomes

The Comedy Trust hosted a showcase event on Thursday 3rd April which saw three groups of young people perform comedy routines demonstrating their individual take on what young life is like in Liverpool. Jenny Liddy, Education and Community Manager at The Comedy Trust is delighted to invite so many young people to the Royal Court:

“This is a real highlight on our calendar, to have young people who are passionate about their city and their roots performing at the historic Royal Court theatre. The performances vary widely, from stand up to comedic animation, but they all tell a story of young people’s experiences of living in this city of culture.”

Portrait of a Nation will culminate in a spectacular finale celebration at St George’s Hall in December 2008, showcasing work from all 18 cities, which will be one of the final events of the European Capital of Culture 2008 calendar.