creating transformative experiences for learning disabled young people creating transformative experiences for learning disabled young peopleWe are delighted to announce that our Artistic Director Christopher Davies has received an honorary doctorate from De Montfort University.
Christopher has a strong professional affiliation with the city of Leicester, spanning over 50 years, beginning in the 1960’s when he completed his teacher training. He taught in local Leicester City primary schools for thirteen years before an additional year of post-graduate applied training at The Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He brought this knowledge of theatre education back to the city and joined the Leicestershire Drama Advisory Service before establishing Bamboozle in 1994 with Sue Pyecroft.
Bamboozle exists to create spaces where young people can express themselves and are heard and we do this by working in local communities with families, touring immersive theatre and providing creative projects in schools. We offer a range of artistic opportunities for young people with complex needs to thrive and find joy in their own unique ways both individually or with their peers and families. We believe Bamboozle has reached 40,000 children and young people across the city, UK and globally in the last 30 years.
Dr Mark Crossley, Associate Professor at De Montfort University, nominated Christopher for this honorary doctorate saying:
“Christopher Davies has been a major figure in the city’s cultural and educational landscape for over half a century and is now a significant voice within the national and global field of theatre for special educational needs. His practice and publications reflect an outstanding contribution to that field, and one that is readily comparable to an original contribution to knowledge at doctoral level.”
We believe our company’s principles strongly resonate with De Montfort University’s commitment to Empowering People and Equality for All and are founded on the belief that all children and young people should have the right to access high quality educational and creative experiences.
Upon receiving his Doctorate, Christopher Davies said:
“It is very gratifying for me and for Bamboozle to receive this honorary doctorate from De Montfort University. We have worked with DMU for a number of years and it is clear that the ethos of the university chimes with that of Bamboozle. This award will cement our relationship and I look forward to working closely with DMU and the Arts Faculty in the future.”
(Pictured above: District Judge Jamal Jeffers, Christopher and Katie Normington (Vice-Chancellor), Christopher and Dr. Mark Crossley, Christopher, Sue Pyecroft and family)
All of the staff and Trustees are very proud of the Christopher’s achievements and this recognition from De Montfort University for his work over the past 50 years. Sandra Pollock, OBE, MA and Trustee of Bamboozle, said:
“Every member of the Bamboozle Theatre Company, its Board, Staff Team, and Artists are immensely proud of the work, commitment, and generosity of heart that we have seen Christopher Davies demonstrate over the many years.
Christopher is a role model in creating diversity and equity for disabled children and young people. Creating a pedagogy and methodology to meet the specific needs of these young people, then working tirelessly for over 50 years, locally, nationally, and internationally sharing these skills to impact so many young people and their families is equity at its best.
We are delighted that Christopher and his work have been recognised in this way. It is a further tribute that this recognition is being given by a University in his hometown.”
Ultimately, the experience of families remains at the heart of Bamboozle’s ethos and work. The words of Hayley Smith, the mother of the late Lily Smith, who regularly attended Bamboozle’s work with her family said:
“Christopher recognised the poverty of experience that profound and multiple learning disabled children experience, and believed that disabled children and young adults’ have value. Instead of shrugging and thinking, ‘not my problem’, he focused his creative, emotional energy, and skill and set to work in order to address the deficit. He did this without having the motivation of having a disabled child himself, he was simply moved to act. His work has built connections and reduced isolation for otherwise deeply marginalised families. He makes “normal’ a world which in every other way says we are not.”
Unit 10 St Mary's Works | 115 Burnmoor Street | Leicester LE2 7JL | 0116 255 2065
Registered Charity Number: 1136157 | Registered in England and Wales.
Company No. 7193792
