Up on a Star

In Development, with support from Theatre Hullaballoo, Alphabetti Theatre and Arc Adoption North East and Arts Council England

Up On a Star is a new, space-inspired theatre project for families, exploring and celebrating adoption.

Our aim is to bust some stereotypes and offer a truthful exploration of what it means to be adopted, asking:

If we’re dealt a difficult start in life is our path determined? Or do we have potential to reach for the stars?

From Oliver Twist to Annie, Harry Potter to Matilda, Superman to Peter Parker, there are no end of adopted characters in books and media. But these stories rarely represent the truth of adoption, and for adopted families watching and reading this content can feel like a minefield.

Children who are adopted may already feel different and othered and such narratives can reinforce deeply held beliefs that stem from early life trauma, not to mention encouraging negative assumptions and insensitive comments from peers and adults alike.

Up On a Star acts as an antidote to these narratives, offering an opportunity to have a positive and truthful representation of adoption; that explores the difficult complexities and celebrates the resilience of adopted kids.

Co-created with a group of adopted children we're using the idea of space travel as a safe vehicle for talking about adoption, working towards a theatrical production, coming to Alphabetti Theatre, soon.

Check out the video below for a sneak peak behind the scenes of our research and development residency at Alphabetti Theatre