Outdoor show tackling County Lines and Knife Crime heads to Bicester
[PR] Adrenaline fuelled gravity defying show to be performed in Bicester reveals the growing issue of county lines happening under our noses.
Told with the energy and excitement of athletic choreography, incorporating mesmerising bike stunts on a specially constructed outdoor set, CODE tells the story of how drug dealers are using children to operate their trade. Bringing awareness to the events happening under our noses and within our communities, CODE is the latest touring show from physical theatre/dance company Justice in Motion, a company quickly establishing themselves at the forefront of theatre for social change and using their platform to tackle vital contemporary social issues. CODE will be performed in Bicester at the Whitelands Academy, on the 1st of June at 11:00 and 14:00, and at The Market Square on the 2nd of June at 12:30 and 15:30.
Across the country, newspapers report on the drug trading of criminal gangs in both urban and rural areas, a practice called ‘County Lines’ in reference to the ways in which mobile phones are used to organise drug distribution across local authority boundaries. The work has been created to reveal the plight of vulnerable, exploited teenagers (and sometimes younger children) who are lured and coerced into becoming part of this underground industry.
This show is being brought to Bicester by The Mill Arts Centre with the support of the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner who have committed £900,000 of funding to expand the Operation Deter Youth Program, an ongoing project working to connect under-18s who have been arrested for knife related offences, helping to increase levels of engagement and improve future safeguarding opportunities. The town of Bicester has itself had to tackle county line issues, with reports from as recently as October of last year detailing how Thames Valley police have been making arrests in a “co-ordinated crack-down on county lines drug dealing and exploitation.” More info here.
Using the combination of highly physical parkour athletes, stunt bike riders and theatre performers, CODE tells the gripping story of a reality hidden in the shadows of everyday life. With a narrative pulled together and performed by popular Sheffield-based artist rapper and actor, Marcus ‘Matic Mouth’ Smith, whose lyrics provide the insight of someone with a personal connection to the show’s themes, and the debut professional acting role of 14-year-old Esra Marmet playing the protagonist, Nicky, the show unfolds.
The energetic, breath-taking, and visually stimulating performances details an unforgettable tale of a young person falling prey to a gang. Groomed with gifts and coerced with threats, their victim takes on the dangerous business of drug running. The result is a visually stunning, breath-taking, and mesmerising piece of theatre.
Since launching their County Lines Programme in 2019 the government has been able to confirm that 5000+ county lines have been closed, 15,500+ people have been arrested and 8000+ individuals have been referred by police to safeguarding. In December of 2023 the home office was able to confirm that over 2000+ lines had been closed that year, exceeding the target they had set to complete by March of 2025. The battle however, is far from won and young people still remain at considerable risk. More info here.
CODE’s upcoming tour aims to raise awareness, helping to demonstrate the tell-tale signs of youth exploitation and informing audiences, families, carers and educators how to spot when there may be a problem. Additionally the show intends to help spread the message and inform audiences of the CODE app, a digital resource that provides information on county lines, including ways to access support such as websites and agencies around the UK.
CODE has been made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Anchor Foundation and support from 101, Outdoor Arts Creation Space, Oxford City Council andTransend Skatepark.
ABOUT JUSTICE IN MOTION
Justice in Motion is a physical theatre company that sheds light on social injustices. Productions have explored issues such as modern day slavery, exploitation, rape, migration, loneliness, conflict and poverty. Through live and digital shows, talks and exhibitions, the company aims to reach as many people as possible from all ages and backgrounds. Young people, professional artists and enthusiasts can discover ideas, skills, physical expression and wellness in their classes, workshops and residencies.
Through their live performances, workshops, residencies and more, Justice in Motion raises awareness, inspiring debate, action and change through high quality work with audiences and participants, creative collaborators, fans, donors and funders. https://www.justiceinmotion.co.uk/
THE BICESTER PERFORMANCES
This show is being brought to Bicester by the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner and The Mill Arts Centre with funding from the Cherwell District Council as a continuation of the £900,000 committed to expanding the Operation Deter Youth Program, an ongoing project working to connect under-18s who have been arrested for knife related offences, helping to increase levels of engagement and improve future safeguarding opportunities. https://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/shows/code-bicester/https://www.justiceinmotion.co.uk/show/code/
ABOUT THE MILL ARTS CENTRE
The Mill Arts Centre's vision is to inspire creativity and enrich lives through a diverse and high-quality artistic, educational, and participatory program. The "Out of The Mill" program extends activities beyond the arts centre's walls from magical live performances to exciting hands-on workshops.https://www.themillartscentre.co.uk/
LISTINGS
JUSTICE IN MOTION: CODE
Saturday 1/6/24 Whitelands Academy (MUGA) 11:00 & 14:00
Sunday 2/6/24 Market Square Bicester 12:30 & 15:30
The Bicester performances mark the beginning of the CODE Tour 2024 - for full schedule of the UK Tour 2024 dates visit :
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