Each presentation we do is unique, as it is a priority for us to match each one to the audience. However, a central component of almost all the presentations we do (for ages 12 and up) is our play, called Reason to Dream. If your organisation only has enough time for one assembly or performance, this is the performance that we highly recommend! Listed below is a description of the play and some of the other components of the Otesha Tickle Trunk, which we mix and match to create inspiring, empowering, enabling, and funkified presentations!

Reason to Dream Play

The Otesha Project's comedic and inspiring play, Reason to Dream, is a central component of our school and community presentations. The play tells the story of an average teenager who wakes up one day to find a world where everything has changed. He's taken on a magical journey that illustrates the local and global impacts of his every day choices. It's an imaginative physical theatre show that leaves audiences feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to take action.

Multi media slideshows:

We have a variety of emotional slide and music shows, each of which are designed to catalyse action. They are used to 'remove the blinders' and profile what we consider to be the most pressing issues facing humankind. They also profile other organizations working towards a better future around the world, providing examples of where young people can get involved, as well solidarity in the larger movement. 

Storytelling

Everything from personal stories of our experiences overseas and at home in creating this project to relaying stories of inspiring actions taken by individuals, storytelling is a key part of making presentations tangible, personal, and identifiable to young people.

Jenga tower

In this activity Jenga (also a Swahili word for 'to build') blocks are used as a facilitation tool to have a group deconstruct problems they see facing society. They then rebuild the tower with actions they will take for a better future. Used for groups of all sizes and ages this tool fosters participation and encourages viewing personal action as an important component of the larger picture. With university students, a more in-depth version is offered which demonstrates societal history and current paradigms for a more academic look at current problems and their root causes.

Action Plans

These can be done in break away groups during a presentation, or as a separate workshop afterwards with any age group. The key to this activity is that each group chooses to take action on an issue or problem of their choice (local or global) and, through role-plays, brainstorming and troubleshooting, develop a plan of action that they will undertake. Afterwards The Otesha Project continues to offer support to these groups and/or connects them with other organizations across the country. Click here to read about past action plans - truly incredible!