This popular drama and storytelling workshop invites students to hear first-hand from Grace, a passenger on board the Windrush ship, as she begins the voyage of a lifetime. Celebrating 76 years since the ship first docked at Tilbury, the story of the Empire Windrush marks the foundations of multi-cultural Britain and is a stark reminder of the sacrifice black people made to help rebuild England after WW2 and the debt we owe them
Generation Windrush: Grace’s Story is an immersive in-role drama workshop set in 1948 aboard the Empire Windrush, designed to engage pupils with the historical experience of Caribbean migrants arriving in post-war Britain. An Bigfoot Arts Educator plays Grace, a Jamaican nurse and mother traveling with her family to England in search of a better life. Through first-person storytelling and direct interaction, Grace shares her hopes, fears, and the realities of migration, including cultural differences, racism, and the challenges of settling in a new country. The workshop uses authentic period music, storytelling, and drama techniques such as frozen tableaux and improvisation to bring the story to life.
The primary aim of the workshop is to deepen pupils’ understanding of the Windrush generation’s experiences and the historical context of post-war migration to Britain. It encourages empathy by connecting pupils personally to themes of journey, identity, home, and belonging. The workshop objectives include helping pupils explore cultural similarities and differences, recognise the social challenges faced by migrants, and reflect on the importance of family, community, and resilience. It also invites pupils to share their own stories about journeys and cultural heritage, fostering inclusivity and dialogue.
Outcomes for pupils include increased historical knowledge, enhanced empathy for diverse experiences, and improved communication skills through active participation in role-play, discussion, and creative activities. Pupils gain a personal connection to a significant moment in British history while developing their ability to listen, reflect, and express ideas respectfully. The workshop concludes with a celebration of arrival and hope, encouraging pupils to consider what objects and memories they would carry if they made such a journey themselves.
Generation Windrush workshops are suitable for KS1 & KS2 pupils, and each hour long session caters for a group of approximately 30 pupils.