By Taylah Eastwell
A group of teenagers will soon take to the streets of the Hills in order to “take up space” and “be seen” as part of an art project aimed at reducing stereotypical attitudes shown towards young adults.
The Here ME Performance Youth Art project coordinator Dani-Ela Kayler said the art performance is “about teenagers taking up space and giving them a platform to have a voice about their ideas”.
“It might be about their ideas for their futures or their communities or just involve them reflecting back on some of the common misconceptions and stereotypes held about young people,” Ms Kayler said.
Ms Kayler said the project involves teens hitting the streets in groups, “quietly walking through town and flash mobbing inside random places with a billboard with a message about how they see the world”.
“Its about getting teenagers to be seen in a positive way. Usually we see teenagers in groups and there is that reaction of ‘oh, what are they up to’, so this is a way to get a group of young people together,” she said.
The project will run in the first week of the Easter school holidays, with workshops facilitated Ms Kayler, who is also a local performance maker and teaching artist, on 7, 8 and 9 April from 11am until 3.30pm.
Workshops, held in Belgrave, will include drama-based activities, learning static-acro skills with Ruccis Circus School, and group discussions exploring experiences being a teenager – what they care about, hope for, are concerned about.
The workshops are for teens between 12-18 and will conclude in a “flashmob style event” in the streets of Belgrave and Upwey on Saturday 10 April.
The purpose of the performance is to support young people to build leadership qualities, activate public spaces and empower young people to have a voice in addressing dominant societal perceptions about youth.
The program is free and is supported by Yarra Ranges Council.
Bookings are now being accepted for workshops. No dance or drama experience necessary.
To book visit https://www.facebook.com/HEREMEBelgrave or contact hereme.takeupspace@gmail.com.
