
Russian Drama, Arts and Dream Chasers
As you can see by the picture, I’m letting you all know about Rima’s Ladies Arts CIC this week. I’ve mentioned Rima before, she’s worked hard locally on community events and activities, comes along to the Penelope Club at Alexandra House, and is generally a lovely lady, very supportive of what I do as well as others. Rima and her business partner, Natalija, have now formalised their group into a Community Interest Company – a not-for-profit type of company that focuses on working for the benefit of a community – in this case, our local Wisbech community, focusing on the arts.
They are using Alexandra House for their classes, on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I had a chat with both of them recently to find out more about where this new company is taking them. One of their aims is to bring Russian drama classes to the local Russian community. It is a very specific form of drama, comedic and full of rich stories to explore. They have been in talks with a well-known Russian Director and Actor, Dimitry Devdariani, about a session with him in London for their group, which sounds really exciting.
The drama classes are on Wednesdays: ages 4-6 from 5pm to 6pm, then 7 and overs from 6pm to 7.30pm.
The arts classes are run by Natalija herself. She is an artist that enjoys all mediums and bringing out the artist in the children they work with. The classes are adapted for ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 11, and art is also part of the Dream Chasers Youth group, for 12 to 15 year olds. These run on Thursdays, 4.30 to 5.30 for the youngest, 5.45 to 6.45 for the 7 to 11 age range, and then the Dream Chasers are welcomed at 7pm. This group are encouraged to work together on ideas and projects, one of which is wanting to help the animals distressed by the fires in Australia.
I’m so pleased to see the new company be formed which will enable them to approach funders to support the work and keep their classes for a low fee – £2 a session, the first one free. Their enthusiasm for their work and wanting to bring the communities together shines through when talking to them. The confidence and transferable skills that these groups give the children are an invaluable contribution to the next generation.
They’re not only running classes but also taking their groups out into the community. They’ve been invited to take part in Library events, and at the Wisbech Community Farm, as well as Orchard House Care home. They have an arts session at the Museum this Saturday from 11am to 3pm – all for free, do go along and tell them I sent you!