What we have achieved so far:
Director Lucy Wild and Writer Becky Deeks received funding from Arts Council England to create a new play based on female experiences in football. The piece explores the strength and achievements of women in football whilst exploring the inequalities women face in sport and also wider society today.
Becky is currently making some final edits to the piece after a two week rehearsal and development period with a cast and crew in January/February thanks to Arts Council England funding and support from the Birmingham REP.
About the piece:
Becky has used the experiences of herself as a footballer and of other players she has interviewed to create a fictional team who are in the midst of an FA cup run. The stories told will resonate with a wider audience as they explore what it means to be a woman in the UK today.
Why is this piece so important?
The need for this project was highlighted to Becky a few years ago when asked to coach a primary school football team. Only one girl wanted to join the team and all the class laughed at her for wanting to play football (this was obviously something Becky then confronted with the class!). Having since interviewed players and spoken with young people, as well as met some incredible women through auditions and interviews for cast and crew, it has become readily apparent that females still face hostility and lack of opportunity at a young age, whether from peers, family, or wider society. We want to use theatre to challenge this and emphasise that football, like theatre, is for everyone.
The murders of women such as Sarah Everard and Sabrina Nessa highlight the misogyny still prevalent in the UK today and the need for change. 'Good for a Girl' addresses this as it reflects on the inequalities women continually face.
Covid-19 has had a huge effect on the momentum behind women’s sport so it is a particularly poignant time to be addressing these issues. The Women’s Euros are happening in England in July 2022 so this piece will provide theatres and venues the chance to promote a huge national event and engage new audiences.
What we will use the funding for:
We would love to get this exciting new piece of theatre programmed by regional theatres to align with the Women's Euros taking place in England in summer 2022. To do this, we are in need of a producer. We would also love to be able to offer more paid opportunities for emerging artists wanting to be involved in this project. Lastly, we would love to offer the opportunity for more schools to engage in workshops with the cast and crew.
Rewards for pledging your support:
Our initial rewards included inviting people to our first private sharing. Unfortunately we are unable to offer any subsequent rewards as we are now dependant on more funding before we can hold more sharings but if you are able to pledge your support, we will keep in touch with you and make sure you are updated on our progress. You will be the first to know about any future sharings or performances!
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Instagram: @goodforagirl1
Twitter: @GoodforaGirl1
