Camden People's Theatre
The harsh reality of the care system from a story inspired by a number of researched real life experiences. Does care belong in the name 'care system'? It seems there is a lack of it.
Surviving, not thriving.
'Daisy Chain' written by Princess Bestman displays a message about the 'childcare system', in a passionate and real way. Bestman has been through the care system firsthand and has learnt from many others who have also been through the childcare system. She tells us a story of a character going through the childcare system. The character has a fragmented and difficult journey to finding a guardian that gives her the care that not only is she entitled to, but the care that suits her needs. The show compares this well researched subject to what the social care system, on paper, claims to provide in relation to what it actually provides for children. The question raised to the audience is: If this is the care that is provided, at such a low standard, how does that affect the children?
Bestman displays in a number of ways how it the system affected her fictional character during her most influential and vulnerable years. She reflects emotions through poetic rap, reaction to the other character in the piece who plays the care giver and emotion filled monologues. Moments of tear filled eyes. The connection the audience builds with her is strengthened by her character 'Asharn' (or Ash). She has clearly researched the subject and has built an understanding of how her character Ash would feel having such a difficult start to life. Her partner in the story who plays the care provider and symbolises the system, her character plays a number of roles, showing the carers Ash has been paired with and the care representatives that worked with her. Acting overall, was strong, but at times there were weaker moments; for instance, where the two are singing together and her partner repeats what she says, this section feels prolonged, and the repetition takes away the power of the statements.
In terms of the flow of the piece it feels at times from an audience perspective that you are watching a presentation and whilst the audience participation gets the spectators involved; the reading of statistics and sections of the legislation decrease the energy and power of the piece. The presentation tone of the piece is made more interesting by the story telling from her character Ash sharing experiences with families and a game that involves audience members. The game is an interesting moment where the audience members have to 'beat the system'. During the game they rearrange priorities of those who work in care and then give a message from Ash's file to her. The messages are cold and uncaring, you watch as the audience members find discomfort in passing on these messages, this signifies the lack of care in the system and how embarrassing the state of the system is. The rearranging of priorities show the amount of work the care workers have to prioritise and how difficult it is to arrange them. There is no set standard or one that works.
'Daisy Chain' reflects a difficult journey, the moments of difficulty could have been avoided with consistency of care workers (they're always changing) and genuine care for the children that are being cared for. Also, showing the lack of opportunity and opening for children to find a guardian that suits their needs. Together all of the elements of this show raise a strong statement about the state of the care system, it helps the audience understand the experience of going through childcare system, how it can affect the individuals state of mind and how sometimes can feel some are lost in the system. This piece is a reflection of what state our society is in and is a great addition to 'The State We Are In' festival. A strong message, moments need refining, revisiting, exploring and this show will be a hard-hitting piece that brings the audience closer to the story. Link the Daisy Chain.
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