A SHOW aimed at a younger audience which addresses questions of self-image is coming to Barnard Castle as part of a short regional tour.
I Weigh has been created by young people from Tyne Valley Youth Theatre and theatre company Mortal Fools in response to the online ‘@i_weigh’ movement.
The show is described as a “a fun and poignant journey through what it is like living in a world that places value on the superficial, distorts self-image and asks questions about the expectations that are placed on us every day” .
The I Weigh movement was started by actress and activist Jameela Jamil after her increasing success and profile was often reduced in the media to articles on the fact she’d gained weight following a healthy lifestyle.
Director Helen Ferguson said: “I wanted to make a show that helped young people share their experiences so that people in the audience would understand, think about how they support and treat others, and make a change to support themselves and other people in their life.
“All of the material in the show comes from the real life personal experiences of the cast. They all have a story to tell and we aim for the audience to relate to what they see.
“Using real life experiences, humour and poignancy is when really good theatre can have an impact.”
She said I Weigh seeks to remind audiences that people can be fearless and remarkable and resilient.
“They might not always think they are, but they are. Given the right support and healthy environments, we can make positive change happen – for themselves, for us, and for the next generation.”
The show will be performed at The Witham, Barnard Castle, on Saturday, April 27.
Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for U16s, available from the box office on 01833 631107, or online at www.thewitham. org.uk.
