Devastating and shocking, yet heart-warming and hilarious, Revealed is the Belgrade’s new family drama that celebrates the courage in connecting with those we find hardest to love. Directed by Belgrade’s Associate Director Jay Zorenti-Nakhid, and writer by Daniel J Carver.
To accompany the production, we commissioned local artist Ayesha Jones to creatively document family stories, focusing on communities within Coventry and our local area, to bring people together to celebrate individual and family stories. This project also holding space for challenging and emotional conversations about mental health, well-being, intergenerational issues, how we love, family rifts, and sexuality.
This outreach work led to Ayesha creating a photographic art exhibition which is displayed in the theatre’s gallery and foyer spaces across the run of Revealed for audiences and participants to explore.
We caught up with Ayesha to find out more about the exhibition and the family stories she heard along the way.
When you were asked to take on this project, what were your initial expectations and feelings?
When I was approached to take on this project, I felt a sense of responsibility and excitement. I was eager to explore the rich tapestry of family narratives within Coventry and to provide a platform for these stories. I didn’t have too many initial expectations. I like to work responsively and allow the art to be inspired by the people I meet and the conversations I have. I went into the project very open and curious.
How many people took part in the project and where were they based?
Throughout the project, I photographed approximately 100 individuals and families based in Coventry. My search for participants began in August 2024. I reached out to various community groups and venues to engage with a wide array of families and individuals. These groups and venues included Foleshill Creates, Foleshill Community Centre, Coventry Central Library, Wellness Junction, Gym Intervention at Canley Community Centre and Inini.
We know you recorded some of the stories that were shared, which ones stuck out to you most?
Several stories resonated deeply with me, particularly those that highlighted the ways in which our family stories and experiences have shaped who we are. I was moved by Ade’s story as he talks about the political challenges in Nigeria that have caused his family to become divided and how people don’t understand the systemic corruption that causes so much of the immigration we see. I was also touched by Neil’s story, I met him in the allotments at Feeding Coventry at Foleshill Community Centre, he posed for me with a hose pipe in hand, as he reflected on how his father used to push him to the allotments in a wheelbarrow, before he lost his father at the age of 10.
When people look at the photographs you have captured, how will it make them feel and think?
When people view the photographs in the exhibition, I hope they will feel a sense of empathy and connection to the subjects. The aim is to evoke reflections on their own family dynamics and experiences while prompting conversations about the important, yet often difficult, topics of mental health and relationships. I want viewers to feel that they are part of a larger community narrative that celebrates both the joys and complexities of family life. Our early experiences, which often revolve around family dynamics contribute in shaping who we are, how we perceive the world, and what we think is possible for our lives. By unpicking our family stories, we become more conscious of what has come before us and how that has influenced us, and by default we become more conscious about the decisions we make in the future and how our actions impact future generations. There is power in our choices.
Local community historian Maureen Cottle and her family took part in the project. Why was this family so important to capture?
Maureen Cottle and her family’s involvement was significant because of her dedication to preserving local heritage, before the Windrush generation is no longer with us, to tell their own stories in their own words. Through her work collecting the Windrush stories of Coventry, Cottle enriches the narrative of Coventry’s history. Capturing her family’s story offered a unique opportunity to connect historical events with personal experiences, highlighting the importance of intergenerational storytelling in understanding our shared heritage. When asked to take on this commission, I also felt it was important to share the platform with a Coventry local who has been collecting Windrush family stories for years.
As an artist, what did you learn during this experience? And what do you think participants gained from taking part?
During this project, I learned about the power of vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling. Engaging with participants allowed me to understand the depth of their experiences and the importance of creating safe spaces for sharing. I believe participants gained a sense of agency and empowerment by sharing their stories. Some shared very personal stories, I noticed a mutual closeness after people had been vulnerable with me and opened up. I was able to understand them at a deeper level and I hope they felt seen, valued and understood. With that I felt a deep sense of responsibility to curate their images and stories well, to do justice to the powerful stories shared.
Why do you think audience members of Revealed should come and see the exhibition while at the theatre?
Audience members of Revealed should visit the exhibition because it offers a deeper emotional context to the themes explored in the play. The photography project serves as a companion piece that encourages viewers to engage visually with the narratives presented on stage. It provides an opportunity for audience members to reflect on their own experiences and to connect with the broader community through shared stories of family and resilience.
This project is more than just a photography exhibition; it is a celebration of community, connection, and the richness of family narratives. By incorporating audio recordings accessible via QR codes, I aim to enhance the viewer’s experience and engagement with the stories. My goal is to encourage ongoing conversations about the importance of mental health, family relationships, and the shared human experience.
Who is Ayesha Jones?
Ayesha Jones is an artist based in Coventry. She works predominantly with photography and film and is interested in art as a catalyst for growth, healing and social impact.
Jones’ work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and she has won awards, including Magnum Photos and The Photography Show’s 30 under 30 international award and British Journal of photography’s: Portrait of Britain and Decade of Change awards.
www.ayeshajones.co.uk
Socials: @ayesha_jones
Revealed: Family Stories Photography Exhibition is running alongside Revealed which closes Sat 2 Nov 2024. To book your ticket for Revealed click here.