Kingsway Park students' workshop at Oldham Coliseum forms part of Newcomer podcast

Through games and discussions, the students explored the issues of what a community is

Students at Kingsway Park High School have taken part in a workshop at Oldham Coliseum Theatre which has contributed towards a podcast, entitled 'The Newcomer'.

The students, took part in a workshop with theatre director, actor and writer, Joyce Branagh, and discovered the story of Zofia, a nurse in Oldham and Rochdale for nearly 40 years, who came to Oldham in 1952 after a difficult childhood in Poland.

Through games and discussions, the students explored the issues of what a community is and how Zofia may have felt moving to a new country as such a young child.

The students, all originating from other countries, spoke of their own experiences of starting a new life in a new place. They explored positives and negatives; differences, surprises, how life is easier and also how it can be more difficult.

A representative for Kingsway Park High School said: “Well done to our students for being so enthusiastic.

“Thank you to Joyce for working with our students, a big thank you to Ben Cain and Oldham Coliseum Theatre for taking a workshop with the students and for inviting us to take part in this interesting, relevant project.”

Zofia’s story, spoken by an actor, has now been put into a podcast for Oldham Coliseum Theatre, with the students’ thoughts added.

The Newcomer is the joyful true story of World War Two survivor Zofia who came to Oldham aged 12 and found acceptance, a calling, and love.

All Oldham Coliseum Micro Commissions 2021 are free to access, however the theatre asks that audiences consider making a donation to help them support more great artists to create new work.