Wastelands artist development commission
Our Youth Grows in a Wasteland is an audio drama project created by Potboiler Theatre, delving into how young people in Stoke-on-Trent experience outdoor spaces, activism, and everyday life in their city.
Directors Kat Hughes and Kat Boon began by collecting first-hand stories from local young people about their relationships with nature, parks, streets, and the outdoors. These testimonies informed two original audio plays—Kayleigh’s Story and Sam’s Story—written by Kat Boon.
Alongside these scripted pieces, Potboiler collaborated with young activist Ian Ikuesan (Stoke Memes) to create a verbatim account of Stoke-on-Trent’s first Black Lives Matter protest, held in Hanley Park. This work captures the urgency, emotion, and civic pride of a defining moment for local youth activism.
All three audio pieces were directed on location in Hanley Park by Kat Hughes, blending young voices, professional actors, and environmental sound to create immersive, place-rooted storytelling.
Artist Credits
Writer: Kat Boon, Director: Kat Hughes, Actors: Ian Ikuesan / Stoke Memes, Sam Deaville, Katie Cannon Sound Design: Adam P McCready, Composer: Matt Thomason