Spring Reflections from Ogohi

From the moment Nadine shared the opportunity to join Underground Lights for this placement and as a Research Assistant, I knew it was something special. The anticipation only grew with each passing week, and when I finally stepped into the space on February 26, 2025, it exceeded everything I had hoped for.

As part of the Socially Engaged Performance module at the Department of Theatre and Performance, University of Warwick, I’ve had the chance to explore how performance can serve diverse community contexts. I’ve worked in a few other community settings before, but Underground Lights offered something unique: an experience deeply rooted in care, togetherness, creativity, and authentic self-expression.

What struck me first was the warmth. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming. Each session was filled with laughter, playfulness, and a genuine spirit of collaboration. Members joined in freely, playing games, singing songs, and even stepping up to lead warm-ups and songs once they felt comfortable. It was a gentle, inclusive space where everyone was encouraged to share in their own way.

I still remember that very first session: members sat around a table in groups with blank flipchart papers. It started with simple words and phrases, shared conversations, quiet drawings, or just casual chats. Gradually, ideas began to emerge, collectively crafted and creatively shaped by the group. Over the weeks, those blank sheets transformed into vibrant pages filled with lyrics, images, and meaning. Together, members composed original songs that were not only recorded but also performed with pride and joy. The sense of ownership and community around these creations was palpable.

What moved me the most was the way Underground Lights members looked out for each other. Each voice mattered. Each idea was valued. No contribution was ever discarded. People supported one another to express themselves through words, visuals, gestures, or just being present. It reminded me why I fell in love with community theatre in the first place.

And yes, I’ll never forget the SMILE Song and the Bad Egg Song! Catchy, meaningful, and joyfully created. They’ll stick with me for a long time.

I left each session with new memories, great inspiration for possible dimensions of my practice, and a deep sense of connection. I made friends. I learned. I laughed. I grew.

Thank you, Underground Lights, for being a space that promotes positivity and creativity.

Ogohi

Photography by Fai Banks