RMR produced two impact studies for Truth to Power Café, the internationally acclaimed theatrical reflection on loss, hope and resistance.
Truth to Power Café runs performances where participants answer the questions ‘Who (or what) has power over you?’ and ‘What do you want to say to them?’. Since 2018, over 600 participants have taken part in 51 live shows and digital theatre events across the world.
Truth to Power Café is aimed at participants who may not feel they have a voice in society but through their involvement find that voice and feel better in themselves. Taking part becomes a meaningful experience that lets them explore their own personal “next steps” in taking power.
We worked with Truth to Power Café to:
– Develop a Story of Change to allow us and the team to isolate the most fundamental questions.
– Design a research framework which works for their production and participants – with delivery in the UK, US, Australia and Singapore.
– Produce a first impact assessment to describe the effect on participants of taking part.
– Write a broader impact study covering the Truth to Power Café international tour – exploring the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdown arrangements on both participants and the show’s delivery.
Given the nature of Truth To Power Cafe, we needed to be very mindful of the very personal reasons for participant’s involvement. To ensure this was done as sensitively as possible, we worked positively with the artists to design this into the research framework.
The impact of Covid-19 on the delivery of the show had knock-on effects on data gathering and final reporting. The show often had to move online or be carried out in person with social distancing. We adapted – taking a flexibile approach that also took account of the international aspects of the show.
Dr Ruth Melville discusses our impact study on the Truth To Power website or you can download the Impact Study.
