The project draws on philosopher Eva Feder Kittay’s work on dependency and the ways in which we give and receive care at different points in our lives. From 2017 onwards the group met intermittently and intensely to map their care relationships and use Theatre of the Oppressed, a community based theatre technique, to share how the cuts had affected the way they performed care and the way care was performed for them. The narratives that emerged from this process were illustrated by Husni Bey and collectively edited by the group as they imagined what would be possible if the resources for care were more equitably distributed.
The story generated through the project is presented as an illustrated book, Who Cares? The book is intended as both a story for carers and children to read together, and as a text that challenges the austerity narrative and proposes a different story; one of solidarity, interdependence and an abundance of care.
Who Cares? is now available as a free download. Printed copies are also available to purchase here.
Adelita Husni Bey is an artist and pedagogue interested in anarcho-collectivism, theatre, law and urban studies. She has organised workshops, produced publications, radio broadcasts, archives and exhibition work using non-competitive pedagogical models through the framework of contemporary art. Working with activists, care workers, architects, jurists, schoolchildren, spoken word poets, actors, urbanists, athletes and teachers across different backgrounds, her work focuses on unpacking the complexity of collectivity, to make good what can never be made good: what we owe each other.
The Portman Early Childhood Centre provides education, care and family support services for young children and their families living in the Church Street area of Westminster, North London. These include a nursery school, adult education classes, family support, employment services, parenting groups and workshops.
Changing Play is an ongoing partnership with the Portman Early Childhood Centre in Westminster, which brings together artists, children, families and educators to critically reconsider early years education and care.
