On Thursday 3rd of November 2022 I attended the Liverpool Everyman Theatre to see a performance called Touchy + Anthology. This was a double bill from a talented group of performance artists called 20 Stories High.
20 Stories High make theatre that is… gritty, jumping, melodic, rebellious, contemporary, mashed-up, authentic, original, visual, challenging, lyrical, tender, anarchic, diverse, surprising, booming, political, funny, collaborative… and heart-felt. We make theatre with working class and culturally diverse young people, emerging artists & world-class professionals. We bring new audiences into theatre venues and also take theatre out into their communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
I have previously tried to see Touchy over at Unity earlier in the year but there was a clash with the event and some of my 40th Birthday celebrations, so I was forced to cancel, so having the opportunity to see Touchy in its entirety was more than welcomed by me. It was a collection of five short films produced by 20 Stories High artists. These were highly personal stories created during the 2020 Lockdown caused by Covid-19. They focused on areas including but not limited to a “young Black lad living with undiagnosed autism”, “a tender and uplifting story about exploring public displays of affection in a same sex relationship”, “stories that explore conflicting recollections of an intimate moment many moons ago”, “an exploration of what it was like during lockdown to be seperated from those who needed us the most”, and “a story featuring a young trans guy following his experiences and discoveries around social contact and touch”.
This was a powerful collection of short films, all of which can be viewed in full via the 20 Stories High YouTube channel here.
A short interval was held before the second part of the night took place; Anthology. Anthology is a show that was only intended to happen once, however audience reaction to it was so positive that 20 Stories High decided to give it it’s own spot on a tour alongside Touchy, and I for one am glad they did!
A collection of live performances from six artists including; “Man-like-Mally” – an exploration of anti-racism and history of slavery through a hip-hop performance, “Faye Donna Francis” – an incredibly soulful vocalist who sang original songs from her current EP and a Cover and backing vocals throughout. “Izzy Campbell” – performed a spoken word recreation of what it is like to be a scous woman living away from home, how people from different areas tend to react when they hear the scouse accent. This was I have to say, quite a moving performance. A monologue of sorts. There might have been a tear or two. “Warrior Woman Anita” – performed a mix of poetry and movement with a martial arts bo staff, a celebration of female empowerment. “James Cast” – shared a spoken word poem about his transition reflecting upon his journey which offers hope for people in a similar situation, this was quite an inspirational story that while private in nature, can be empathised with easily, and “Pari Richards” – shares a letter he wrote to himself as a young man at risk. This moving yet light-hearted and funny letter contains themes of Black empowerment and hopefulness.
This was a really different night to many of the experiences I have enjoyed via x40 in 2022, but I am so glad I got to go and see this, to show my support and appreciation for these young talented local artists. I wish I had the confidence to get up on a stage and perform like they did tonight. They did themselves proud.
If Touchy + Anthology is touring near you, don’t hesitate, go see it. Incredibly good. – I will be looking out for performances from 20 Stories High again in the future.
