Comedian and BBC Radio 4 presenter Robin Ince will help the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Truth About Youth programme to go out with a bang
On Monday 9 November young people from across Manchester will come together to present Tay Talks. Inspired by the internationally famous TED talks, this event celebrates Truth About Youth’s 5 years of inspiring workshops, community projects, and outreach programmes.
Over 25 young people aged 14 to 25 will share their thought provoking talks and rants on subjects that make them passionate, frustrated, happy and alive. From feminism to being harassed on the street, to public transport and homework, Tay Talks asks what motivates young people today.
Robin Ince said of his decision to host the evening…
“I think it is important that everyone is given a voice, and it often takes live events like these to reveal what is really going on in the minds of the young. I am old now (well 46, so I can’t eat toffees anymore), and it is important not to sink into middle aged cynicism. And of course, if they have any good ideas I will steal them and make myself appear more relevant on stage!”
Truth About Youth is the Royal Exchange Theatre’s programme of activity for 14 – 21 year olds (and some adults), run in partnership with The Co-Operative Foundation. The TAY programme, which ends this November, was designed to inspire young people to challenge and change negative perceptions about their age group and to bring about a cultural shift in the way that young people are viewed and treated in this country.
Zak Ford-Williams, age 16 said of his speech…
“I want to talk about what it’s like to grow up surrounded by warped media images of disability, and about finding my place as a crip actor when the crip roles are so often taken by the voluntarily limping.”
Tay Talks is the culmination of five thrilling years of work with thousands of young people from across the North West. This celebratory event has been co-ordinated and organised by a steering committee of young people, to help change adult perceptions on youths and leave you speechless. At the end of the evening, there will be an opportunity for a meet and greet with the speakers and Robin Ince, with drinks and delicious cake provided for all to enjoy.
Those unable to make it along to the event will be able to follow the evening via a dedicated live stream at www.royalexchange.co.uk/taytalks, and all talks will also be recorded and uploaded to a TAY TALKS microsite following the event.
