IDON'T THINK YOU'RE READY
"I am really excited to be creating a performance based on a topic that myself and the other women I'm working with are very passionate about. It's a topic very close to home and I'm exciting to see what's coming for Tagged Theatre Company" - LIV
"Body image is something which I have always struggled with through out my life, so I am extremely passionate and excited to be part of Tagged Theatre Company, and to be creating a performance that addresses the issues surrounding body image, that will hopefully allow people to know that they are not alone and do not have to suffer in silence" - JESS
"I am thoroughly looking forward to this project. Body Image and Self Esteem has often been looked at in today's society as a taboo subject yet so many young people have to tackle these issues everyday feeling like they can't talk about them. Hopefully we will be able to share awareness about this topic and help young people feel like they can open up about their issues. Most of all I am looking forward to exploring this issue with 3 other women that are passionate about this subject!" - LAURA
"I am excited to be working around such a taboo subject that, quite frankly, our society isn't very good at talking about. It's a topic that is autobiographical for every member within our group and so I am excited to be inspired and also to inspire" - MADDY
'I Don’t Think You’re Ready' is a stylistic approach to exploring the taboos of body image. Investigating into the inner-autobiographical and the outer-ethnographic. We have collated stories, emotions and thoughts surrounding the social stigmas around young people and women.
As a group, we are determined to reclaim the space as our own. Empowering through the playfulness of our images without falling into the male gaze, and protecting ourselves from any ideological traps that present themselves within our process.
During our process as a theatre company we have conducted workshops with young people to gain an insight into the current societal body image pressures that young people are faced with. We have used this research to aid our material-making in the space whilst also being influenced by performance artists such as Bryony Kimmings, Victoria Wood and Hollie McNish.
As a company we are interested in exploring womanhood and the body image issues that we all face. Contrary to popular beliefs, body image is not a trend and we feel it is an issue that we must start a conversation about.
Through the aesthetics and poetics of the stage and the use of different materials, we have created empowering and thought-provoking piece that will enable conversation.
Our piece is accompanied by an installation.
This installation delves into exploring the many pressures of body image that we all face in today’s society. The work uses un-edited, real bodies to
provoke an emotional response towards body image and self-esteem. The use of objects, recordings, video’s and images aim to highlight and express body image centred issues that have been surrounding the company since childhood. Within the installation, Tagged also invite you to explore the current societal pressures surrounding the younger generation. These are presented in the form of objects that have been created in response to a series of workshops that were conducted within a youth theatre.
For more information on our process in making 'I Don't Think You're Ready' and our reflections from after the show please visit our blog.
If you are interested in booking this performance please contact us on:
REVIEWS & COMMENTS
"‘I Don’t Think You’re Ready’ by Tagged Theatre was relatable right from the start! I have struggled and continue to struggle with my body image just like many I know but watching this performance and witnessing the sheer confidence that they had in themselves on stage (in recognisable underwear!) and their determination for a fun yet educational piece of theatre was both motivational and inspiring. It has led me to re-evaluate how I think and feel about my body! I want to be more confident and I want to think about how I can help others to feel the same!" "I felt like I had been transported back to high school, only this time there was a solution available" - KAY GODDARD, Student.
"Tagged Theatre worked with my 11-14 year old youth theatre project, teasing out and exploring issues relating to the contemporary adolescent identity. The workshops were planned with great consideration,delivered with much energy and enthusiasm and structured in a way that was challenging but in a supportive environment. The young people engaged fully and responded to some very difficult topics such as underage drinking, body image and relationships. I put this down to Tagged's facilitation which allowed them to build a positive rapport with the young people. Their supporting performance 'I don't think you're ready' was a refreshing addition to the Theatre In Education offer - rather than preaching change, they demonstrated it. What better way to encourage people to love their bodies, than by showing us that celebration live on stage. I wanted to join in!" - MATT HARPER-HARDCASTLE. Youth Theatre Practitioner; York Theatre Royal.
"The installation acted as a perfect way to introduce the topic of the performance; 'I don't think you're ready.' I, in some ways found myself feeling extremely saddened when walking around the exhibition as the material that I was faced with was hard hitting and raw. However, certain images and videos did leave me feeling incredibly inspired, also, as I began to reflect on the way I see myself and my own body. This allowed me to realise that my body is who I am and I should not be ashamed of it. I believe that what the four women achieved was an extremely selfless act as they used their own bodies to inspire others, creating a overwhelming sense of celebration amongst all people and bodies in all their wonderful different forms." - CHANTELLE HUBBARD, Student.
"It was a well written, well performed piece of theatre. The contrast of more serious themes facing body image with over-exaggerated comedy scenes perfectly grabbed everyone in the audience's attention. The real life scenarios involving weight loss culture were particularly funny and this performance was both eye opening and a pleasure to watch." - SHAUN CASTLE, Writer.