An elderly man with glasses and a watch sitting on a chair reading a piece of paper, surrounded by three young people, one on the left with glasses and a black T-shirt, and two in the foreground with short hair, in a room with plain walls.

Stories Across Generations

Revolt!

Revolt! was an ambitious intergenerational theatre project created with the people of Basildon as part of the Creative Estuary Co-commissions 2025. From July to September, we held weekly rehearsals where participants explored the striking parallels between the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt and the social and political issues shaping our world today. These sessions became more than rehearsals — they evolved into safe, creative, and often therapeutic spaces where people could express themselves freely, share perspectives, and collectively craft the narrative.

Many of the scenes were written by participants themselves, shaping the direction and heart of the piece. The project culminated in a powerful performance on 20th September, followed by an audience Q&A that repeatedly circled back to the same essential questions: Why do humans repeat the same mistakes? Will we ever learn from history?

Revolt! taught us that historical events are not just stories from the past — they are powerful catalysts for dialogue, reflection, and deeper understanding of the present. It also highlighted the urgent need for more creative opportunities in Basildon and showed how projects like this can grow and evolve in the future.

As part of the Creative Estuary Co-commissions, we were proud to support local talent by employing three emerging artists: Lillith Freeman as Assistant Director, Lucy Gould as Assistant Set and Prop Maker, and Shamsa Kiwanuka as Stage Manager — further strengthening our commitment to developing the next generation of creative practitioners.

A shirtless performer with arms raised in front of a white screen, casting a shadow on it, in front of an audience seated in a wooden venue with red and orange lighting.

Revolt! Documentary

A behind-the-scenes look at our intergenerational theatre project, captured by Jason Lynch Filmmaking (Instagram: @jasonlynchfilm) and Adam Cameron King (Instagram: @adamcameronking / @ack_films · LinkedIn), with photography by Alfie Cook Photography and Lillith Freeman Photography.

The Truth About Love

Gwangju, South Korea

The Truth About Love was one of Unpuzzled Theatre’s most pioneering and impactful intergenerational projects — and a defining moment in our company’s journey. Created and performed in South Korea in 2015, the production brought together 25 participants from eight nationalities, uniting Korean and immigrant communities on stage through a shared exploration of what connects us all. At its heart was a simple but powerful message: love is a universal experience — it transcends language, culture, and borders.

This groundbreaking project offered a unique space for people from different backgrounds to collaborate creatively, share their stories, and discover common ground. It was designed to bridge divides, challenge prejudice, and celebrate the humanity that binds us together — demonstrating that, no matter who we are or where we come from, love is something we all feel and understand. The process itself became as meaningful as the final performance, with participants forging lasting relationships and a deeper appreciation of one another’s lives and cultures.

The impact of The Truth About Love was felt far beyond the stage. It became the first project of its kind in the region, gaining national attention, including coverage in The Korea Herald, and receiving official recognition from local government for its contribution to intercultural understanding and community cohesion. As one headline put it:

“‘Truth about Love’ opens doors for theatre in Gwangju.” — The Korea Herald

To this day, The Truth About Love remains a cornerstone of Unpuzzled Theatre’s ethos — a powerful example of how participatory performance can break down barriers, spark empathy, and bring people together. It continues to inspire our work and shape our belief in theatre as a catalyst for connection and social change.

Two children, a girl with black hair wearing a black jacket with gold stripes and a boy with short black hair wearing a red sweater, are engaged in a playful wrestling or hugging on a red surface. The girl's face is partly visible, and they are holding each other's arms.
Group of people engaging in a theatrical or workshop activity in a room with a red carpet and bookshelf.
A man in a plaid shirt pointing directly at the camera in a crowded room with people in the background.
A person on the ground appears to be in distress, with several people around them gesturing or assisting. The scene looks like a dramatization or emergency training, set in an indoor room with red chairs in the background.

Photography by Martin Miller

Where generations meet, stories grow, and wisdom is shared.