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Hearts In A Row
17 June 2025
Last month we had the pleasure of delivering a two-week Artist in Residence program centred on Macbeth, with boys aged 16–21 at Cobham Youth Justice Centre. Through a series of workshops, Shakespeare’s work became a vehicle through which residents could self-reflect, build confidence, and develop skills in literacy and creative expression. At the conclusion of the program, the boys took their learnings to the stage, performing to an audience of peers, teachers, staff, and family.
"The journey was far from linear—sessions swung between deep engagement and disruption—but the impact was tangible.”
Our Education Programs Manger Shelley Casey told us that "at the start of the program, most of the boys had poor attitudes towards Shakespeare and low confidence in their abilities. Nonetheless, as the sessions progressed the boys re-energised, so much so that a fiery debate about Macbeth’s morality ensued, with one boy confidently observing that ‘treason is treason’."
Throughout the residency, the students’ understanding of Macbeth was shaped as much by challenges as by breakthroughs. Allowing the boys to rework Shakespeare’s language helped to overcome any literacy challenges, building focus and trust.
"All the boys jumped up in a circle with no qualms. We leapt into the game quickly and it was fun, and they were trying really hard to do well.”
Across the board, it was observed that the enthusiasm and confidence of the Bell Shakespeare staff, helped in creating "a sense of safety for those that were interested to give it a go." We were thrilled to hear that some students even expressed an interest in continuing their engagement with Shakespeare beyond culmination of the program. Shelley noted that after a session, one of the boys requested a copy of Macbeth he could read in his own time, as "he didn’t want to wait until next week to know what happens." This is, of course, a dream outcome for us.
Our experience working with these boys truly speaks to the wonder and joy of Shakespeare, as a vehicle for understanding and transformation. If you are interested in learning more about our Youth Justice Program, you can check out our 2017 film, Kings of Baxter, documenting the journeys of several young men at Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre as they rehearsed Shakespeare’s Macbeth, led by our very own James Evans and Huw McKinnon.
This incredible program would not be possible without the generous and visionary support of trusts and foundations including the Neilson Foundation and the Scully Fund. If you would like to help us continue to work in youth justice centres, and other at-risk communities throughout Australia, please consider donating to our Sharing Shakespeare giving program or contact Debra Reinecke, Head of Development, on 02 8220 7521.