Desperate Journeys
An immersive experience in which participants explore what it woud be like to walk in the shoes of refugees. Free (donation)
Location
Sevenoaks Town Council
Bradbourne Vale Road Sevenoaks TN13 3QG United KingdomAbout this event
Sevenoaks Town Councill to mark being a Town of Sanctuary this Refugee Week (17-23 June) are hosting Desperate Journeys for the local community at their site in Bradbourne Vale Road.
Two local charities Empathy Action and Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees are combining to present Desperate Journeys, an experience which explores the growing refugee crisis.
The experience also running for schools over the week is delivered within a maze-like set. It runs for 90 minutes and includes briefing and a reflective feedback and discussion session. Improvisation and immersive theatre techniques, striking visual installations and a powerful soundtrack are used to engage the participants. The experience is designed for up to 30 participants at a time, who are guided through it by volunteer cast members.
NOTE: the experience is intense (dark, loud and cramped) and at times requires some physicality (moving around, sitting, kneeling, crawling and sitting in a boat). No harm comes to anyone, if you have any concerns please let the team know and the experienece can be made accessible for you.
The event is being freely offered, but donations to Empathy Action are encouraged.
Frequently asked questions
Please aim to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before the start time and no later than the denoted start time.
Unfortunately not. Due to the immersive and experiential components it s hard to add latecomers. We suggest that you arrive promptly. Please leave sufficient time for arriving and parking (the designated car park is around a 9 min walk away)
The experience is intense - conducted in tents using space and sounds. There's some physicality (kneeling, crawling, sitting in cramped spaces) but no physical harm will come to you. There will also be a reflective time at the end to help process some of the emotions, experiences and empathy.
We recommend ages 12+. Due to the intensity and darkness, some children will find this frightening and we advise against this. Some parents have brought their children in the past. If you would like to do so, please check with us.
There is limited parking on the site. Please park at the Bat and Ball centre, Crampton's Rd, Sevenoaks TN14 5DN. This is an 9 minute walk to the site.
Yes. But we ask that you let us know your accessibility needs in advance contact@empathyaction.org and we will help prepare for your visit.
Yes. This Refugee Week event will feature Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees offering ways to get involved (volunteering with the settling families in the district, sponsorship, events and local action). Also volunteering opportunities will be highlighted for Empathy Action.