Interview: Anna uses theatre to challenge stigmas, give voice to vulnerable

CAIRO – 6 November 2018: Anna Ledyen has started volunteering at the age of 11, advocating for young people in her home city of London. She has experienced a challenging childhood with multiple health conditions and difficult home situations that made her passionate about giving voice to those who may not be heard or are discriminated against.

Using applied theatre arts to challenge stigmas and stereotypes, Ledyen came all the way from her country to Sharm el-Sheikh to share her practical experience and views on rebuilding societies after times of conflicts during the second edition of the World Youth Forum (WYF), taking place Nov. 3-6.

ET: Tell us about your professional experience?

Anna: I have a passion to community work especially community cohesion. I became interested in the use of theatre to give voice. I continued volunteering through my undergrad and masters in applied theatre, and I am also an associate fellow of the royal commonwealth society.

ET: How is your WYF participation as applied theatre practitioner different?

Anna: I applied through the forum’s website, and I would say my participation is different because I will approach the topics with experiences and views that are much more practical in their approach, with constantly thinking and exploring how theatre and working directly with grassroots communities can impact, challenge and provide the opportunity for change to happen.

ET: Did you hear about WYF before your participation?

Anna: I had not heard about it before, I was sent the information through the associate fellow program by Royal Commonwealth Society. Before applying, I hadn't heard any feedback from last year but researched through the website and it seemed like an amazing opportunity that I wanted to be a part of.

ET: What opportunities does the forum give you?

Anna: I am writing a blog about the forum which I hope to spread through my connections in the UK and across the commonwealth. I will be feeding back to my connections in topics discussed and decisions made. I think that some of the topics discussed will influence my career and I am excited to hear the work of others from across the world as I feel that will inspire my work.

ET: What is the practical experience that you’d like to share with other participants?

Anna: I would like to talk about the topic of rebuilding societies and states in the context of post conflict with a particular interest in how the arts, especially theatre, can support this. I would love to inspire the participants to be able to think creatively when approaching their work.

ET: Do you think the WYF was promoted enough to reach audience globally, and encourage others to apply?

Anna: I feel I was very lucky to hear about this opportunity in the United Kingdom as I did not see it publicized anywhere. I feel that the UK is not the best at promoting events for young people so this may not be the World Youth Forum’s fault; however, I would encourage the World Youth Forum's organizing team to push the forum in the UK and contact organizations and charities that work with young people, such as the British youth council, to promote through them.

ET: How do you evaluate youth representation in the forum?

Anna: I think there is a good mix of nationalities and people from different backgrounds and professions. Some people with limited experiences of global work and others with lots of experience and this makes it really interesting because everyone can learn from each other. I think connecting with anyone from around the world especially young people is invaluable; it is inspiring to hear others’ stories and experiences and see what connections and support we can offer each other.

ET: What is your first impression about Egypt after your visit?

Anna: I have never been to Egypt before but it's somewhere I have always wanted to visit because the history of the country is something I have always had an interest in. Britain has recently had a travel restriction here which had made me nervous about traveling. However, I have found everyone to be incredibly welcoming and I am hopeful that I will get to visit this country again. Sharm el-sheikh is beautiful and participants get to see its beauty.