Celebrating Creative Collaboration: Theatre Porto × Dorin Park School
Over the past three months, Theatre Porto has had the absolute pleasure of working with Dorin Park School and Specialist SEN College on a joyful, imaginative and expressive exploration of ourselves as artists. Together, we co-created a vibrant art exhibition, shaped by the hands, voices and ideas of over 40 KS3 and KS4 students.
Through a series of 11 creative workshops – led by facilitator and artist Natasha – we worked with the students to explore the various ways we can tell stories and express ourselves. The sessions blended drama, writing and visual art, opening up new ways of thinking, feeling and making.
We played theatre games, became new characters, imagined and created scenes, made music, wrote poems, coloured, painted, glued, made noise and had a lot of fun. Each workshop was filled with laughter and expression – a celebration of individuality and creativity.
As Natasha, our Project Lead, shared:
“I was blown away by the students’ willingness to get stuck into the very many different things I brought to the table – whether they were pretending to be penguins walking down a catwalk, talking about how different textures made them feel, designing food out of clay or painting what they could see out of the window. It has been such a joy to be in this school and work with these wonderful young people.”
On 2nd April, we brought it all together for a beautiful exhibition – a space transformed to show all the incredible work the students had created. The hall was filled with colour, curiosity and celebration, as the rest of the school and staff came to view and experience what the students had made. The pride in the room was evident – and rightly so.
We were moved by the feedback from staff, which truly speaks to the impact of the project:
“Their confidence growth and ability/desire to join in has been really great to see over the weeks – you need to work with the whole school!” – Support Staff
“This is fantastic, the children are clearly so proud of what they have achieved – they told us we HAD to come and see what they have done in the hall – you’ve made it look so professional for them and it feels really special.” – Support Staff
“I am SO glad you’ve enjoyed working with the students! We have all absolutely loved your sessions! You are fantastic with the children ” – Class Teacher
“Thank you so much for such a lovely exhibition! Thanks again for all of your hard work with the children too! We really appreciate it and the children have enjoyed every session so much!” – Class Teacher
This project has reminded us – once again – of the power of creativity to bring joy, connection and confidence. We’re so grateful to the brilliant students and staff of Dorin Park School for welcoming us into their community, and we can’t wait to work together again.
