Date: Wednesday 18th January 2023
Time: 19:00-21:00
An interactive creative writing workshop, exploring the sights and sounds of the Chilterns AONB, including our memories and stories about the past, present and future and to enhance the community’s contribution to the play, Sour Cherry Soup, touring in June 2023 as part of Chilterns Drama from the Chalk, Cherries and Chairs project.
We are inviting people across the Chilterns to share their stories and thoughts about the past, present and future of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty through this workshop, which will help inform the final play script. Playwright Sara Clifford will take all of the ideas, and her own, and transform the material into a one -woman show to be performed at various venues across the Chilterns next summer.
Here is what Sara will be exploring with you during the workshop:
- I want to hear your stories and memories: what do you know about this area or its history? The Chilterns are an ancient landscape with traces of civilization from Neolithic through to Roman, Saxon, Norman, Medieval and modern times; from barrows to churches; and from sheep grazing to cherry orchards to chair bodging. What do you know about the local myths and legends of your town or village or favourite local walk?
- And what about the present? How often do you visit the Chilterns – or do you live there? What is your favourite place and why – how would you describe it, what you hear, see or feel when you go there? Do you prefer a large sweep of the chalky Downs, larks singing overhead? Or do you prefer a tiny ancient church, protected by an old yew tree and a quiet churchyard? Or perhaps a local pub, full of families relaxing?
- And for the future? As we know, this huge area has been safeguarded for future generations by becoming an AONB but what would be your hopes for it? How can we continue to protect it? How can it support us in employment as well as leisure? How can we make sure it is accessible to everyone?
We welcome everyone to join this workshop – we look forward to hearing your stories and ideas! With thanks to Wycombe Arts Centre, and their drama group, for their help in publicising this workshop. Suitable for adults and young people age 14 plus. 14-17 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.
No experience needed – please bring something to write with, whether pen and paper or laptop / tablet, some water, and wear comfortable clothes. Free of charge – booking essential.
Sara Clifford is a professional playwright with over thirty years experience of working with community groups to create exciting theatre inspired by local stories. You can see her work at www.inroads.org.uk and www.saraclifford.com
This workshop is part of Chalk, Cherries & Chairs – an ambitious five-year scheme which aims to connect local people to the wildlife and cultural heritage of the Central Chilterns. The scheme operates under three themes – wildlife, heritage and people – but the projects which fall under these three themes are all designed with the Chilterns landscape in mind. ‘Sour Cherry Soup’ forms the basis of Chalk, Cherries and Chairs’ Chilterns Drama festival, which will be taking place in Summer 2023. For more information see www.chilternsaonb.org/projects/CCC
