“You must leave your home in a hurry. You have only a few minutes to choose a few important items. What do you take?”
The theme, Exodus, helps us think about what matters most when life changes suddenly, things like identity, home, separation, hope, and the dream of a better future. Your story can be personal or imaginary. There are no right or wrong choices.
It’s a project for people from our local communities, you don’t need any experience of acting or writing, or have any arts experience. The workshops are relaxed, friendly, and designed for you to take part in and enjoy.
Guided by performers from the international French theatre company Kumulus, you’ll learn simple creative techniques, such as using objects to tell a story, trying out body posture, and playing with a made‑up language called Grommelot. Step by step, you’ll create a short story using the objects in your shoebox.
At the end, you’ll share your story in an informal setting with the other participants and the Kumulus team. During the final event at SO Festival, the audience walks around the space and listens to each story in their own time. There is no pressure to act or perform; you simply share your story in a way that feels natural to you.
We welcome local people of all ages, backgrounds, and confidence levels to join in.
Box Meetings has been performed across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America, and in 2026 it will make its UK debut in Skegness as part of SO Festival.
Suitable for ages 16+
