Chiswick Students Produce Show Against Gender-based Violence

Dance, drama and song used to encourage respectful relationships

Theatre pieces were performed at the Watermans Arts Centre

December 5, 2023

Students from Chiswick School have been working with primary school pupils in the area to produce a series of theatre pieces looking at healthy and positive relationships.

The initiative, which involved children from Stand-on-the-Green, Belmont and Cavendish schools, was part of the annual UN-led 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which runs each year from White Ribbon Day on 25 November to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

As part of the campaign this year Hounslow Council’s Learning to Respect team helped the schools to stage a combination of dance, drama and song on the them of respect, on 16 November at Watermans Arts Centre.

The sixth formers at Chiswick School also worked with four MA students from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in preparation for the show. 

Cllr Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Safety and Regulatory Services at Hounslow Council, said,“We are so pleased to have put this show together with Chiswick School. Stand-on-the-Green, Belmont and Cavendish primary schools have all put on an incredible performance around such an emotive topic.

“This project plays an important role in educating our young people on respecting their peers. As a society, we need to challenge male violence at every level and change the way women and girls are treated. 

“We commissioned this piece as part of our continued commitment to tackle violence against women and girls. Violence Against Women and Girls is abhorrent, and I wish to encourage all men and boys to call out and speak up to prevent violence and abuse against women and girls.  Let us all play our part in being part of the solution. 

“A huge thanks to all those involved – teachers, students and our Learning to Respect team.”

Dance was used to illustrate the theme of respect