Free Theatre Show Teaches Dangers of Knife Crime

A FREE one-day only show aimed at showing young people the dangers of getting involved with knife crime comes to Reading on Saturday 28 October.

Two 40-minute performances of CODE by Justice in Motion will take place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium’s outside concourse, by the Fanstore, at 10.30am and 1.30pm. They are aimed at young people in Year 6 and above and no advance booking is necessary.

Described as Justice in Motion’s urban odyssey into County Lines and knife crime, CODE is a spectacular blend of physical theatre, parkour and trials bike stunts with live rap and music. It features skilled athletes and performers showing what can happen to young people exploited by organised drug crime gangs and provides up-close, dazzling, adrenaline-fuelled, audacious story-telling inspired by true case studies.

The show is being brought to Reading by the Community Safety Partnership and Safer Streets initiative. It is supported by Reading Borough Council, Brighter Futures for Children, Dance Reading and Reading Football Club and continues the outreach partnership work launched by the unveiling of the Armoured Heart sculpture outside the Oracle shopping centre in May.

The Armoured Heart sculpture was created in partnership with young people to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying a knife. The sculpture is made in part by knives handed in to knife amnesty bins around the Thames Valley, and stands as a symbol of peace and hope against knife crime.

The subsequent programme of outreach activity, including the upcoming CODE production, aims to help educate Reading’s young people about knife crime and encourage them to make the right choices around knives.

Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety at Reading Borough Council, said:

“We were all deeply moved by the unveiling of the Armoured Heart sculpture in May, with it standing as an evocative symbol of peace and hope in the face of knife violence in Reading. I’m encouraged that this has sparked debate, ideas and a programme of outreach work to ensure we continue the dialogue and engage with young people. Not succumbing to the pressures of carrying knives is something that many of our youth struggle with and the visit of CODE for two free performances is a fine example of how we’re reaching out to young people to make the right decisions. I urge parents and children to grab hold of this opportunity, come along and watch the free shows which will be eye-opening, entertaining and educational”.

Please note:

• The two shows are 40 minutes long, and there is no seating provided.
• Saturday 28 October is a Reading FC matchday so there will be no parking on site for the 1.30pm show. For more information on how to get to the Stadium please see here. For the 10.30am showing you may park on site but will need to leave by 11.45am or match day parking charges will apply.

If you or someone you know has been affected by any knife crime related themes please go to www.readingamnesty.art for support.