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Audience reactions

Maria Morava, our Director of Training & Pedegogy, gets the reactions of audience members leaving our Forum Theatre piece, They Took My Child.

Podcast

How the University of Edinburgh helped create scientific racism, featuring TOScot

Will the University of Edinburgh confront its dark past?
Severin Carrell reports

The University of Edinburgh has released a report examining its 400-year history and its connections to slavery, colonialism and the development of scientific racism.

The Guardian’s Scotland editor, Severin Carrell, explains to Nosheen Iqbalhow these findings will lead to a lot of soul-searching about how this centre of the Scottish Enlightenment should now be understood.

We hear from Prof Tommy Curry, a co-chair of the report’s working group, about what it reveals about white supremacy and the new direction he would like the university to take. We also hear from two local teenagers beginning to consider university, Denszel and Ousman, and what they think about the report’s findings. Finally, we hear from the principal of the university, Peter Mathieson, about how the university plans to respond to the report.

Quotes

  • “Eye-opening experience—it allowed me to step into someone else’s shoes and truly understand the challenges faced by Black and ethnically diverse families in the social care system.”

    — Participant “They Took my Child” Play (January 2025)

  • “Issues raised in this performance need to be taken to wider services and higher up the system. Decision-makers must see this and take action.”

    — Particpant “They Took my Child” play January 2025

  • "Learning more about Anti-Racist training, was truly eye-opening and thought-provoking. The session challenged me to reflect on my own perspectives and biases."

    Participant

    (January 2025)

  • "The performance encouraged a collective response, empowering audiences to voice concerns, engage in discussions, and advocate for meaningful change. It was not only impactful but also a significant step toward challenging systemic inequalities and inspiring action.”

    Audience Member - EVOC Forum piece

    (Feb 2025)

  • "The anti-racist training was a powerful reminder that true anti-racism must be intersectional. It highlighted the importance of understanding how race intersects with other identities such as gender, class, disability, and more."

    Participant for Anti Racist Training

    (Feb 2024")

  • "The Forum Theatre piece was excellent, providing a realistic portrayal of systemic issues. Unlike conventional training methods, this workshop humanised marginalised communities, allowing participants to see their struggles through their own lens."

    Audience member, EVOC Forum

    (Feb 2025)

  • "The audience participation and discussions made the session deeply engaging, allowing for meaningful dialogue and collective problem-solving.This type of training should be funded for all local authorities in Scotland."

    Audience member

    (Feb 2025)

  • "Taking part in these drama classes was an inspiring and transformative experience. learned how to use theatre as a tool for change, gaining a deeper understanding of race, identity, and social justice"

    — Duncan Steel

    (Nov 2024)