‘When Life Changes and Becomes Harder, Adapt Yourself to be Stronger’

Syrian refugees in the UK reflect on the COVID-19 lockdown and their experiences of conflict in Syria

When COVID-19 caused the UK to go into lockdown in mid-March 2020, the North Yorkshire based theatre and media arts company An Invisible Man faced indefinite suspension of its performances and activities. This included a series of workshops for resettled Syrian refugee boys living in Leeds, commissioned by Leeds City Council, which aimed to introduce participants to a range of media and arts approaches that they could use to amplify their voices and tell their stories. Each participant was interviewed on several occasions via Zoom, in either English or Arabic, and An Invisible Man edited interview footage to produce 6 short films focused on thematic areas.

Educating children in a time of crisis

Coping with separation from loved ones

Using technology to keep in touch

Coping with Adversity

Accessing food and other vitals in difficult times

Keeping children safe from harm