Widening the Scope - Stop Motion: Passion, Process and Performance - page 331

More doors and more fl esh in The Ritz at the Altrincham Garrick.
Effect on people's lives
Through many of the arts, people's lives can often be literally transformed, sometimes when
used as therapy (which seems such an inadequate word), or when participating brings people
out of their shells. Simply talking about it has huge cathartic powers. Just by witnessing art
(another inadequate word), lives can actually be changed, and if not changed then enriched.
A recent series, Channel 4's Ballethoo! , followed a group of nearly 200 teenagers as they were
of ered the chance to perform in a production of Romeo and Juliet with Birmingham Royal
Ballet. These teenagers came from the most troubled, dii cult and violent of backgrounds, and
for most the idea of ballet and the discipline that goes with it, let alone the rarei ed cultural
qualities, was incomprehensibly alien. Just getting them into a rehearsal room together on
time without i ghts was dii cult enough, but the programme followed them over eighteen
months. Many fell by the wayside, unwilling to commit for many complex and tragic reasons,
but for those who stayed the course, their life has truly been transformed, their eyes opened.
It could have been opera, or theatre, or sport or music, but as soon as they started to work
together, to contribute, and win respect from each other and the teachers, things started to
change. Smiles where there clearly had never been smiles appeared as the students realised
they were working together and producing something special. The violence, sex and warring
families of Romeo and Juliet had deep resonances for most. For students and performers alike
it was an incredible journey. Lives were enriched, coni dence was found, respect was won and
culture was appreciated. Another very public television series featured a community from a
troubled housing estate being given the chance to sing at the Royal Albert Hall,
and in most cities less publicised events like this happen, using 'art' to bring people
together, building and shaping often shapeless lives.
The question is, could such a programme, with animation instead of ballet, change
and enrich people's lives? I have been very touched and transported by watching
animation, but has a i lm actually changed me? Animation does not have the