Maison Foo are proud to be a Theatre Company of Sanctuary
Image by Jon Legge
we seek to empower, support & inspire people seeking sanctuary in the uk.
We’re currently raising funds for our Creative Sanctuary Group. Your donation is really appreciated! x
Our Journey
2018-2019
During the making and tour of our new show A Thing Mislaid, we worked with Derby Theatre and Derby Refugee Advice Centre to set up The Refugee Friends Scheme. We worked with touring partners to develop ways of making theatres more welcoming spaces for people seeking sanctuary. During this project, we welcomed over 120 people seeking sanctuary through the doors of theatres for the first time.
Live Captioning and Translation
During our tour of A Thing Mislaid, we piloted Talking Birds’ Difference Engine to deliver captions in English and Arabic; making the show more accessible for sanctuary communities, and d/Deaf and hard of hearing audiences.
Act 2
During our Autumn 2018 tour, we worked with Journeys Festival International (ArtReach) to pilot ACT 2 at Attenborough Arts Centre - a post show platform for refugee and migratory artists to share early ideas of new work in the making.
“Maison Foo are transforming lives and perceptions through their impressive commitment in ensuring that people seeking sanctuary are not just talked about in their plays but are at the very heart of everything they do.”
Ben Margolis, Former City of Sanctuary South East, Eastern and Central Regional Coordinator
Watch our journey to becoming a Theatre Company of Sanctuary
Meet Your Neighbour Parties
Dear Neighbour,
We’re having a party and you’re all invited!
We’ve run parties (in person and online!) every year with our friends at Derby Theatre, since 2019.
“The Meet Your Neighbour party was a fantastic scheme for us to work with Maison Foo on… The day turned our theatre foyer into a vibrant hub of activity and it genuinely felt like as a community we were taking real ownership over ensuring everyone feels welcome in our building.”
Sarah Brigham, Artistic Director & Chief Executive, Derby Theatre
You can also book your own party at a venue or space near you!
2020 - Present
Meet Your Neighbour Installation & Online
Shortly after A Thing Mislaid, the Meet Your Neighbour Installation was born. You can read all about it on our Live Project page here and also visit our sister website: Meet Your Neighbour Online. Watch our mini documentary to see our launch event and meet some of the neighbours involved.
Creative Sanctuary Group
The Creative Sanctuary Group formed in 2021 with thanks to funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. Read all about our wonderful group here.
A Seat at our Table
Our multisensory theatrical performance with Derby Creative Arts Network! Learn more here.
“I can explain what this project and group means in one word ‘Family’ because I don’t have family in the UK. This group is truly like my family. I enjoy it so much and I always look forward to our time together.”
Ahlam Creative Sanctuary group member from Kuwait
Find out about our Meet Your Neighbour Installation
Partners
These events and projects have been supported by the Evan Cornish Foundation, Derby Theatre, Arts Council England, Derby Refugee Advice Centre, Upbeat Communities, City of Sanctuary Network, Journeys Festival International (ArtReach), Attenborough Arts Centre, Talking Birds Theatre and with advice and input from people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our work! x