DEEP WITHIN: THEATRE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

by Garry Paton

When I was asked to direct a play working with homeless and marginalised people encompassing film projects that would outreach to hard-to-engage groups, I jumped at the chance. It would be a great challenge to pull the show together but I knew it would be of benefit to the groups that we worked with.

The story of Deep Within is the result of months of workshopping ideas with the participants of charity, Acting on Impulse. The stories and issues are very real and we’ve shaped them into one complete narrative. The films - shot by Finite Productions - add another element of story from outreach projects we ran at an agency supporting young homeless people and a hostel for people with alcohol addiction.

During the rehearsals, I met Georgina, a trans woman, who has experience of homelessness. The character she plays, Frankie, befriends the main character in the play and through their bond we find out how hard it is for a trans person – being judged in everyday life. Her frustrations at having to stay in a men’s homeless hostel and being laughed at, taunted and generally mistreated demonstrate a very real portrayal of just how difficult it is on our streets.

In characterising Frankie, Georgina and I have worked a lot on making sure that she is heard – that her reactions to the world around her are shown. I wanted to show her strength in standing up for what she believes in. I’m really proud of her performance not just because it shows great courage but because it’s delivered with conviction, truth and belief in herself. For me, standing up for what you believe in is what this story is about.

Deep Within is on this Saturday 26th May at 7:30pm at Z-arts (formerly Zion Arts Centre), 335 Stretford Road, Hulme, M15 5ZA. Tickets can be purchased here: or by calling 0161 226 1912