Community outreach

  • Education

    We are keen to work with schools, colleges and Universities to open up the conversation around sexual consent. This can be led through movement &/or self defence workshops on a person centred methodolog. Themes will be navigated sensitively and Safeguarding provisions led by led by AD Laura Kenyon & a psychotherapist to creatives.

  • Workshops

    Open to all ages & backgrounds, WomanEwer creates a safe space to empower participants to tell their stories via movement, voice &/or self-defence. They are inclusive workshops for female survivors and LGBTQIA+ groups in community centres, & shelters. Safeguarding provisions are supported by a psychotherapist and RASASC.

  • Installation

    Paintings, collages, ceramics and hanging mobiles by Melanie Kenyon with soundscapes & digital forms by Laura Kenyon. The exhibition can exist on its own and can also be a setting for a 30min live performance. This multi sensory experience leaves traces & gives new meaning to a familiar space whilst challenging the audience to create their own narrative.

Outreach Projects

MEXICO RESIDENCY

A cultural choreographic and creative collaboration project led by Laura Kenyon and assisted by Sara Maurizi.

WomanEwer was invited to recreate their recent work “I Have A Bruise” over the period of two weeks with a group of 16 local female dancers. Based from their own interpretation of the work and their personal experiences of abuse, protest and general hate crime and violence against women in Mexico, these stories were weaved into a unique 60 minutes performance that was presented on site at the end of the residency. The result was deeply personal, moving, empowering, uniting and powerful.

In collaboration with Arbol Torcido Artes Vives, Puebla

INDIA RESIDENCY

Laura Kenyon led a two weeks residency with rehearsal director Sara Maurizi. This allowed the company to connect with local and international artists, researching WomanEwer new work “We Are Not Beautiful”. Drawing from the stories of the participants in the meaning we attach to clothing, especially from a female lens, this was an interesting  cross cultural exchange when discussing traditional female wear from childhood to adulthood / married life. The narratives and the memories that come with certain outfits and the roles they convey. This unique performance was presented at Paalthi in Jaipur.

In collaboration with Vinyasa Earth, Jaipur
In collaboration with In Contact (Goa), W.I.P Lab at Oddbird Theatre (Delhi) and The Creative Academy (Kolkata)

INDIA TOUR

During 3 weeks, Laura and Sara led open workshops and performed an extract of their work “J’ai Un Bleu”. This allowed the company to connect with local and international artists, recreating WomanEwer latest work “I Have A Bruise”, drawing from the stories of the participants. This unique performance was presented as a curtain raiser for Moving Part, a dance and theatre program based in Goa.

In collaboration with Mill Co.

CHARITY EVENTS

As a residency artist at the rose Lipman building and programmer for mill co. Laura is developing a program that spans theatre, creative, movement and wellbeing. These activities are open to all genders although often has a special focus on women and included women only activities.

Each Laura organises bi annual performance events on 8th March for international women’s day and the 24th November for the international day of elimination of violence against women.

These events involve artists and staff on a voluntary basis to raised funds for different charities including MAP and Médecin Sans Frontière.

HACKNEY PROJECT

A 12 month program commissioned by Near neighbors to run 1 monthly free creative activity for local women with experience sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Combining art therapy, movement, yoga, open discussions and breath work to improve mental wellbeing and empower women. Laura Kenyon as well as other female practitioners led Movement, Sound Healing, Self Defence and Guided Massage.

Commissioned by Near Neighbours

FRANCE RESIDENCY

Laura led 1 week of residency in Marseille with a group of 13 women aged 23 to 65 years old. They share the beauty & battle that it is to be a woman. Directed by Laura Kenyon in Marseille, supported by Fakir Club. Videography: Clementine Kenyon

In collaboration with Fakir Club
Commissioned by the Guildford School of Music and Drama at the Barbican Centre

DISRUPT 2021

Under the artistic direction of Laura Kenyon this short film is a collection real life stories communicated through movement and interviews.

17 women aged 20 to 72 years old address sensitive issues that can be challenging, and at the same time it celebrates womanhood, survival and strength, advocating for women to have their own voice in society. Videography: Celine Forten

In collaboration with St Margaret's House

TOWER HAMLETS

A week of free workshops spanning self defence and dance, performances and group discussions to support the local community in Tower Hamlets.

Left hand side video: Commissioned by The Guildhall School of Music and Drama for DISRUPT 2020, a digital festival hosted by the Barbican Centre. Under the artistic direction of Laura Kenyon this short film is a collection real life stories communicated through movement and interviews. 17 women aged 20 to 72 years old address sensitive issues that can be challenging, and at the same time it celebrates womanhood, survival and strength, advocating for women to have their own voice in society. Videography: Celine Forten

Right hand side video: This short film documents 1 week of residency in Marseille with a group of 13 women aged 23 to 65 years old. They share the beauty & battle that it is to be a women. Directed by Laura Kenyon in Marseille, supported by Fakir Club. Videography: Clementine Kenyon