This is SBC's collective storytelling journey through Leeds 2023

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My name is Shahram and I came to England three years ago. In the first year, I managed to attend a place called Play House where the English conversation class is held. In 2022, a man named Firas from Stand & Be Counted Theatre, attended the conversation class and after meeting Together, he suggested to me that he could join us to improve his English, and I was happy that he gave me such an offer, and I was counting the minutes to participate in his conversation class, then there with a lady who is very kind and energetic. We met with Hannah and here we learned many things and it was a very useful class and I am happy to participate in this conversation class and there we met many friends of different nationalities. The conversation class of Hannah and Fiars was not boring at all. different programs were held in the class and we all had fun and after the end of the course we had a party which was really really amazing and we had a lovely time together! I like it a lot. 😊 In 2023 Soap Box conversation class was held again in Leeds Central Library and we joined the conversation class again. There we experienced new friends and another varied program and we discussed a new topic every time. It is held in the center of the city to be happy and I forgot the fear of speaking here and I was able to increase my self-confidence and sometimes I was able to transfer my experiences to new friends.Attending the conversation class had a direct impact on my life and motivated me to learn more. Finally, I like this conversation class and I hope it continues. I thank Hannah and Firas for creating such a friendly atmosphere. 😊
From Shahram's Story by SBC_Theatre

Firstly, Shahram's story is inspirational and I really enjoyed the journey. I hadn't factored in an artist (or arts org) actually bringing a participant into the mix. I think it was an inspired idea and has given a different depth to the overall picture.

I'm intrigued about Soap Box conversation class as a concept how did it come about? I wondered if you plan to continue it?

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These thoughts and questions are coming from other conversations with artists (orgs and collectives) in general and I wondered if you could tell me what it has been like working with the Leeds 2023 team? What have the challenges been and has the 'year of culture' taken any unexpected turns for SBC?

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As we are approaching the end of the year of culture, I wondered what your thoughts were about the wider cultural ecosystems in Leeds? And, do you think from your experience that Leeds 2023 has had an impact on these ecologies?

Do you think that Leeds 2023 will have a legacy in the City?

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