The voice of young disabled people often goes unheard. But not anymore - this raucous, radical, celebratory, and hard-hitting hip hop gig theatre show shares the good times and the not so good times of being young and disabled in 2023.
 
Funny, raw and surprising stories told by an amazing collective of actors, beatboxers, and dancers. With creative captioning, integrated sign language and integrated audio description.
 
Expect heavy beats, stunning visuals and full hearts.
 
Age guidance 14+

Written and Directed by Keith Saha.
Designed by Miriam Nabarro.

Visit 20storieshigh.org.uk
 
Co-produced by 20 Stories High, Graeae Theatre, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and LEEDS 2023. 

Supported by Arts Council England, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, The Coutts Foundation, Backstage Trust, Liverpool City Council, and Arts Council England Project Grant.
 

Read by Maisy Gordon.

Track - Find your Peace by HoliznaCC0

High Times and Dirty Monsters - Audio Described Flyer

Keith Saha talks about the 20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites Co-production - The Broke 'n' Beat Collective - opening at Unity Theatre, Liverpool on 4th Feb 2016 and touring nationally until 2nd April 2016.

Keith Saha talks to BBC Merseyside about The Broke 'N' Beat Collective

Laid down spring 2016 at FireFit Hub, Toxteth as part of Thursday Night Mic Club. Supported by Paislie Reid.

We Could All Do More - Josh Enakpoma with MC Visceral

This song is taken from our show:

IN TIME (2017)
lyrics
Mmm, mmm x2

You take my innocence,
They’ll be nothing left for to keep.
You took my dignity,
Now I can hardly sleep at night.

You can keep your innocence, I ain’t got mine,
One lad, no Dad, I’m supposed to be fine.
You see for seventeen years I’ve been living with the fear,
I was born to a Dad who didn’t want me here.
Lay in bed I’m in fear, I’m feeling the pain,
Of the fact that me and him, we share a surname.
So don’t dare complain when you’re stood in the rain,
‘Cause at least you’ve got a Dad who’s driving down the lane,
To come and pick you up, and take you home,
Them Arriva buses is all I’ve ever known.
It’s a shame that in the years that have gone by,
I’ve only got one photo of the man and I.
The situation is pressurised, I’m feeling terrified,
I know I’ve got to seek him out, but I would rather hide.
Mortified thinking about what I would say:
‘Hi Dad, I’m the child that you gave away.’
You can’t understand the situation at hand,
Under the pressure I’m sinking quick into the sand,
Reaching out is there anybody close at hand,
To lead me and help me stand?

All my life,
I’ve been searching for you and other people.
And all my time,
Has been wasted on you and other people.

Nobody’s here to hold us,
The weight is on our shoulders,
They say respect your olders,
But they don’t respect me…
They don’t respect me…
They don’t respect me.

I you see you running round,
With a love that isn’t found.
See you in a situation,
It’s killing me.
You’re trying to hide what’s in front of your eyes,
I can see the lies and it’s no surprise...
It’s no surprise.

I feel the passage of time passing by in my mind,
And I find that sometimes I wish I could just rewind.
We’re all blind, why can’t we just open our eyes?
And eye up the truth which is largely disguised,
By the way, allow me to unravel my brain,
And reveal the feelings that are giving me pain.
Maybe I’m insane, or maybe afraid,
Or maybe I’m just maybe scared of centre stage.
You see I’m hugging the walls, so that I don’t fall,
I’d rather be invisible than invisibly small.
Fourteen hundred and forty minutes I’ve got in a day,
To somehow say everything that I’ve wanted to say.
‘Cause see the concept of time has turned into a game,
And there are levels that we’ll never reach because we are afraid,
But if we stand on the edge, then maybe we can begin,
To use the nine million, four hundred and sixty thousand, eight hundred minutes,
That we have been given to start making decisions,
To take ownership of what we own and act like we’re driven.
‘Cause it’s a gift that we’re given, so why don’t we give back?
And give it our all ‘cause one day it all fades to black.

All my life,
I’ve been searching for you and other people.
And all my time,
Has been wasted on you and other people.
Nobody’s here to hold us,
The weight is on our shoulders,
They say respect your olders,
But they don’t respect me…
They don’t respect me…
They don’t respect me.

You take my innocence,
They’ll be nothing left for me to keep.

credits
released January 17, 2018
Vocals:
Amber Richards
Ezrha Hayden-Watts
Alex Watson
Shaundel Wright
Bradley Thompson

Musicians:
Bradley Thompson

Produced by Kof for GoPlay Studios

Respect

This song is taken from our show:
African Beach Party (2015)

lyrics
Bebè na nga,
Nalingi yo
Lala bebè
Bolingo

Bebè na nga
(Bebè na nga)
We’re almost there
(We’re almost there)
We’re on the road
(We’re on the road)
Please don’t be scared

Ahhh//ooo

We will swim right to the shore
Eza mayi (It’s only water) x2
You are a safe cause you’re with me
Eza mayi (It’s only water) x2

Hello, we have arrived child
Look at Englands sky child ooo

The moon is shining for you
Africa’s moon shines for you
We have arrived

credits
released January 17, 2018

Vocalists:
Dorcas Seb
Bradley Thompson

Musicians:
Bradley Thompson

Produced by Kof for GoPlay Studios

African Lullaby

This song is taken from our show:
The Shutdown (2019)

lyrics
I don’t really care what the people really say
I just think about my self
I know what friendship means
Friendship means honesty
Friendship means to say the truth
Friendship means don’t let down
Honest, true, don’t let down
Honest, true, don’t let down

I wouldn’t care about them
I don’t care what they say
They just trying to make me mad
They just trying to make me feel bad
I am on the trap and I just made this rap to get out of the trap
But now I will hit you right back
I never felt like this but now I feel like I have gone out of my mind
And I felt like I was blind in my mind
I am blind in my mind I am blind, and I don’t see no lights because I am on the trap, I am on the trap

I wouldn’t care about them
I don’t care what they say
They just trying to make me mad
They just trying to make me feel bad

The way you talk makes me laugh
The way you move makes me smile.
We’re not friends anymore
Because you don’t know what friendship means
Friendship means honesty
Friendship means to say the truth
Friendship means don’t let down
Honest, true, don’t let down
Honest, true, don’t let down

credits
released December 13, 2019
Vocals written and performed by Abel Iordan
Backing vocals by Dayzy, Fred Lima (Digitz) & Freya Goss

Recorded and mixed by KOF for GoPlay Studios.
Musical Direction by Kitchen Sink Live

(c)all rights reserved

Friendship Means

This song is taken from our show:
The Shutdown (2019)

lyrics
I’ve never been so tired
With a relationship I’m done
And you’re fired
But I keep coming back every time
I keep coming back to your lies

And I know that I’m dumb
If I continue like this, I know I’ll never love
And I feel like I’m drunk
Coz my head is spinning and
I don’t know what’s wrong

I know that you’re tired of me
I’m slowly giving up on this world
I’m sick of this insanity
I don’t want you to help me

But you say you love me
And I believe it every time
I want and need you
I want you in my life

And I know that I’m dumb
But I’ll continue like this because it is love
And I feel like I’m drunk
Coz my head is spinning and you’re the one I want

Please let me back in your life
I still miss you
Please let me back in your life
I still miss you

And I know that I’m dumb
But I’ll continue like this because it is love
And I feel like I’m drunk
Coz my head is spinning and you’re the one I want

credits
released December 13, 2019
Written & performed by Tia Hume-Jennings
Keys by Tia Hume-Jennings

Recorded and mixed by KOF for GoPlay Studios
Musical Direction by Kitchen Sink Live

(c) all rights reserved

Fake Love

This song is taken from our show:
The Shutdown (2019)

(this track contains strong language and drug references)

lyrics
I feel so low
I feel so down
Am feeling so depressed
Everyday I’m fighting demons in my head,

So, depressed sometimes don’t wanna leave me bed
Can never seem to get the demons out me head
Body’s weak man
It feels like fuckin lead
So tired
Ye I wish that I was dead
Come on demons get the fuck up out me head coz

Everyday I’m fighting demons in my head
You ever felt so low you wish that you were dead
I’m forever fighting demons in my head
Everyday ye I wish that I was dead
Everyday ye I wish that I was dead

Mental health kicks in n it takes over
Smoke a spliff, get high, coz I can’t deal with sober
It’s not long n then it takes over
Wish I was lucky like a four-leaf cover
Feels like I’ve got the whole
world upon me shoulders coz…

Everyday I’m fighting demons in my head
You ever felt so low you wish that you were dead
I’m forever fighting demons in my head
Everyday ye I wish that I was dead
Everyday ye I wish that I was dead

You ever felt so low that you can't sleep
See a bridge and wanna leap
Living in shit creek
You ever cry so much that you can't speak
So depressed your whole body yeah
It feels weak

I'm so down and me heads a fuckin mess
Mad, depressed, stressed
And life's put me to the test
Head on overdrive it never seems to rest

You wanna step inside be brain
Yo come on and be me guest
Need to get this off me chest
Right now not feeling blessed just depressed yes, coz, yes...

Everyday I’m fighting demons in my head
You ever felt so low you wish that you were dead
I’m forever fighting demons in my head
Everyday ye I wish that I was dead
Everyday ye I wish that I was dead

credits
released December 13, 2019
Written and performed by Hannah Reilly (G Force Jnr)

Recorded and mixed by KOF for GoPlay Studios
Musical Direction by Kitchen Sink Live

(c) all rights reserved

Demons

This song is taken from our show:
The Shutdown (2019)

lyrics
Am I supposed to feel the way you make me feel?
All these emotions are killing my self esteem
I don’t understand what I’m meant to do
But I like it when I’m with you

When you smile back at me
I know for sure
That these feelings are something I can’t ignore
When I’m with you all I have is bitter thoughts about love

Love, I’m addicted to your love
I get high like it’s a drug
I’m addicted to your love

Time goes on and I can’t get enough of you
Can’t get through a day without an ecstasy or two
This might seem real forward
But I missed you

All these thoughts swimming round my head
Should I be with you or should I not instead
You say that you love me but
I don’t know if it’s true
Coz you control everything that I do

Love, I’m addicted to your love
I get high like it’s a drug
I’m addicted to your love

I don’t want to be here any more
This life that I’m living is not the one I wanted before
You make me feel depressed every single day
I don’t know why I stay

But still I’m addicted to your love
Love, I’m addicted to your love
I get high like it’s a drug
I’m addicted to your love.

credits
released December 13, 2019
Written & Performed by Tia Hume-Jennings
Ukulele by Tia Hume-Jennings

Recorded and mixed by KOF for GoPlay Studios
Musical Direction by Kitchen Sink Live

(c)all rights reserved

Addict

Introducing Tia Hume Jennings with her powerful and heartfelt new song 'BLM'. 

ABOUT BLACK WITH A CAPITAL B:
Over the following months we will share with you 7 exclusive new works by a fantastic array of Black Liverpool artists.

Using a variety of art-forms such as music, poetry, visual art and film making and using a range of DIY tools such as smart phones, home studios, and ancestry kits. Each artist has a unique voice with a powerful story to tell.

The world is rapidly evolving, and we live in hope for radical reform.

Change is coming…

ABOUT TIA HUME-JENNINGS:

My name is Tia. I’m dual heritage and 15 years old. I sing and I write my own songs, and one day I want to be cast in a musical.

I have started writing my own play because I feel like there needs to be more cultural representation in the theatre world, and I hope to have a diverse cast.

I have been in two 20 Stories High shows: Indebted and Shutdown. I have also performed at Blackfest and many other events.

Black with a Capital B

BLM by Tia Hume-Jennings (Black with a Capital B)

Black Man by Malik Lidgett.

Artwork by Amber Akaunu.

-----------------
Malik Lidgett
Mal is a versatile music producer and rapper who explores all aspects of showcasing his talent. He enjoys performing on stage and in front of the camera. Mal’s skills extend behind the camera too after gaining a BA (HONS) Film and TV Production degree at LMA which gave him skills in all aspects of film production from script writing, producing, directing, filming and acting to editing and marketing a finished film. This led more recently to Mal beginning a Masters degree in documentary film making at LJMU.

Mal has extensive experience with various pieces of software and professionally uses Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro X. He shares his knowledge and skills in teaching others how they can develop in these areas.

Mal has a passion for writing lyrics and has showcased these through his music and through collaborative working. This skill also extends to spoken word.

Black Man

20 Stories High in association with Unedited
present 
CHOKKA
a melodic, beat infused story in 4 parts.

Written by Luke Barnes with 20 Stories High Youth Theatre
Directed by Nathan Powell 

With original beats, flowing melodies and poetry to stretch your mind and heart. CHOKKA follows the journey of 16-year-old Jem who is coming to terms with the world around them. How they fit into a community in which they feel other and what happens when love punches them in the gut.

20 Stories High youth theatre each give their own voice to Jem as well as weaving in their own personal reflections on love, jealousy, depression and friendship.

Suitable for ages 13 plus - Contains themes of mental health and strong language. 

Accessible text-version of this podcast is available here:

 Accessible visual text-version of this podcast is available here:

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in the podcast, please visit Young Minds 
 
This project was made possible thanks to Arts Council England, Children in Need, Paul Halmyn Foundation, The Foyle Foundation and the Backstage Trust.

CHOKKA Episode 4 – Normal

CHOKKA Episode 3 – Rainbow Kitten

CHOKKA Episode 2 – 4.48

CHOKKA Episode 1 – Jafar Energy

20 Stories High is a theatre company, led by Co-Artistic Directors Keith Saha and Julia Samuels. We are dedicated to making bold, contemporary and imaginative theatre for young audiences – which is rooted in the contexts of social inclusion and cultural diversity. 

We are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what theatre is, and what it means to young people. Offering a wide and varied theatre experience, we continue to challenge ourselves, our audiences and participants. Working with the narrative and musical influences of diverse communities in Liverpool as well as regionally and nationally. We make vibrant, relevant theatre that young people want to see. 

We create professional productions and participatory projects for young people aged thirteen to thirty. 

20 Stories High

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