Staging Identity

This interactive workshop invites young people (ages 13–17) to engage with the exhibition Cosmos, Memory, Scale at SOAS. Following a short introduction by the artist on how objects shape identity, participants will split into small groups and, guided by facilitators, explore one section of the exhibition (Cosmos, Memory or Scale). Each group will create a short theatre piece inspired by objects on display and personal connections to items from their own lives. The workshop concludes with informal performances, highlighting the role of objects in expressing memory, belonging and identity. Venue: Brunei Gallery, SOAS.

The workshop explores how material culture—objects we keep, use, or encounter—shapes the way we understand ourselves and our place in the world. Taking inspiration from the exhibition Cosmos, Memory, Scale, which presents artworks examining identity formation through aesthetic engagement with objects, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own connections to material things at home and in community life.

Working in small groups, students will focus on one of the three themes of the exhibition. “Cosmos” invites them to consider universal questions about the world and their place within it; “Memory” engages with objects as carriers of personal or collective history; “Scale” asks how perspectives shift when things are seen as larger or smaller, nearer or distant. Within each group, participants will take on specific roles—producer, director, writer and actors—and collaborate to create a short theatre performance inspired by both the exhibition and their own lived experiences.

The event offers participants a creative opportunity to connect with contemporary art in a personal way, while developing skills in role-play, collaboration, communication and self-expression. Attendees can expect an engaging, hands-on session where they experiment with storytelling, performance and visual imagination.

Tamina Davar, Theatre Producer

Mariano Errichiello, SOAS Lecturer

Youngsters 13-17

Youngsters whose first language is not English

By invitation only