Synergy Theatre Project’s Esther Baker on Providers
ET has been following the work of Synergy Theatre Project for a few years now and have been wowed by their achievements in tackling difficult subjects through theatre. From profiling the causes and effects of knife crime, to highlighting the influence of social media on young people, to supporting people who’ve been through the penal system, their work is groundbreaking in making change. Their latest production, Providers, deals with the difficulties of financial hardship and the devastating impact it can have on families. We were delighted to talk with the director of the show, Esther Baker – also Artistic Director of Synergy, to find out more.
Firstly, congratulations on winning the Stage’s Community Award this year. What does this national recognition mean for you and your incredible work?
Thank you. It is fantastic to have our work recognised and to shine a light on work that isn’t always visible to many. It is an opportunity to encourage the theatre community to open its stages to work evolving from the criminal justice system and to create opportunities for disadvantaged people to gain pathways into the creative industries. We are keen to scale up our work, play on bigger stages, reach more beneficiaries and amplify their voices and the award helps towards this.
Can you tell us a bit about the story of Providers?
It’s about two sisters who could lose their home and two brothers who urgently need to find more money. The support they really need is hard to find and they are pushed into taking risks. Their solutions are creative but also dangerous. In both cases the cost of living and surviving leads to young people having to face difficult choices to protect and care for the people they love.
It’s fabulous to see you’re working with award-winning writer and actor Ambreen Razia. How did you get her on board?
I worked with Ambreen on a short film Dues in 2021 about county lines recruitment (it is on our YouTube channel) and it was a great collaboration. Ambreen is a fantastic storyteller who has an ear for the voices of young people. She also has a long-term creative relationship with Synergy’s New Writing Manager, Neil Grutchfield. She has wanted to do a play with us for a while and luckily the stars aligned when we approached her for this project.
Who’s in the cast and what do they bring to the production?
The cast are a diverse combination of professional actors and ex-prisoners. One was released from prison on the first day of rehearsals. We also have ex-prisoners working as assistant directors, assistant stage managers and workshop facilitators. There is a great energy both in the show and surrounding the production. The show is also very London, very funny and has great pathos. The ex-prisoners bring an authenticity to both the play and the Q&A’s which accompany all the shows. Their lived experience brings great insight into the characters and the dilemmas they face.
Before opening at the amazing Brixton House you’ve got a tour planned, to schools and other institutions. What places will you visit and what age groups will be involved?
We start by touring to 3,000 young people in schools and pupil referral units in NW London, primarily in years 9 and 10 although the play is appropriate for 12+ as well as appealing to adults. We’ll then go on to Brixton House at the end of March which we are excited about especially as we are based in the building.
How do you think it impacts on young people seeing stories like this on stage?
I think the young people will love this show as they can see themselves in it and it is very much told through their eyes. There are lots of themes for them to think about including poverty, family, pressure towards criminality and mental health. It is also fast paced, moving, funny and a great story.
I see you have Q&A’s after all of the public events. What other support is in place around the show?
Yes, every show has a Q&A with the cast and crew exploring the play’s themes and often includes contributions from the ex-prisoners about their personal experiences and how they connect with the play. We are running workshops and longer creative projects alongside the show for young people, particularly those at risk of offending. These are led by an artist alongside an ex-prisoner support facilitator and range from acting and spoken word to film making with young people creating a piece of work in response to the play.
Thanks so much to Esther for taking the time to tell us about this vital piece of work. Watch this space for our forthcoming review.
Providers is recommended for ages 12+ and plays at Brixton House from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 March. Further information and booking details can be found here.
