This Is Not For You
Reviews
- Disability Arts Online "There is no doubt the story of war victims over the past hundred years creates a huge emotional impact. During the finale many of the audience members and even performers have tears in their eyes, as the full cast sing expressing the significance of not being forgotten and still being alive.This Is Not For You highlights the injustices these men and women have gone through. They have served and lost limbs for their country, yet when they return the very people who sent them to war will not acknowledge their sacrifice.Although society may have forgotten about these individuals, the audience are not going to forget them any time soon. This Is Not For You proves that these warriors will not be stifled; they will fight to the end to tell their story and be heard." Read more...
- The Guardian "This Is Not For You is at once defiant and open-hearted. The entire cast are singing, for the living rather than the dead, the choir flying above with their harmonies. Though a moving experience for an audience, the real value of this piece is that it offers these veterans a chance to be seen and heard. " Read more...
- Whats On Stage "Arresting and poignant. As part of the 14 – 18 NOW programme, marking the centenary of the First World War, the show dramatises the horrors millions incurred, but it's those still living and still living with war that make the most impact on this outdoor stage. As the title implies, this show is for them." Read more...
This Is Not For You is an epic outdoor performance paying moving tribute to Britain’s wounded veterans from the First World War as well as more recent conflicts, both men and women, whose contributions to history often go unnoticed. The piece is directed by Jenny Sealey, written by Mike Kenny and performed by Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, professional performers and local community choirs.
This Is Not For You, part of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, is a story of veterans’ fight for respect and remembrance, told with heft. beauty and wry humour, both on the ground and off it, with audio description and sign language as integral parts of the production. Graeae, with the National Centre for Circus Arts, has trained 25 disabled veterans in performance especially for the piece.
Alongside its performances in Woolwich and Stockton, the work will inspire an extensive education and engagement programme, encouraging veterans and members of the public to share their experiences and stories on this important subject.
‘You go past The Cenotaph and the crowd clap you. It’s quite moving. We were waving to the crowd, and this little boy said: “This is not for you survivors. This is for the dead.” It made me feel guilty.’
A veteran describing his experiences on Remembrance Sunday
Available via The Difference Engine app
Partners:
Funders:
Supported by:
The Michael Liebreich Foundation
