Scratchworks Theatre Company are a female-led theatre company based in Exeter. Co-artistic directors Alice Higginson-Clarke, Laura Doble and Sian Keen work collaboratively to create thought-provoking, funny, and heartfelt shows to inspire and empower adults and children alike with their feminist ethos. Over the past 10 years the company has nurtured their artistic and educational & community-engaged programmes, producing 8 productions and sharing skills with schools, community groups, artist development programmes & theatre clubs.

‘Women of Wonder: Greek Myths & Monsters’ is a collaborative theatre project by Scratchworks Theatre Company, in partnership with an Exeter-based community of women originally supported and cultivated by CoLab Exeter. The project’s primary aim is to reframe the narrative of women in classic texts and stories, exploring whether a theatre-based collaboration can positively impact the lives and well-being of women in Exeter through creative expression and skills-building.

Scratchworks’ collaboration with the group began in September 2022, providing a weekly workshop programme for women facing social crises and exclusion. The initial phase culminated in a 20-minute sharing of creative material based on Greek myths, sparking a strong desire within the group to continue their creative journey. Scratchworks aims to sustain the project through the Creative Arc Commission, allowing the group to fulfil their aspirations to work towards a public performance.

The project includes a comprehensive plan involving 10 workshop sessions covering creative writing, movement, and song. Additionally, independent skills development sessions (delivered by local creative practitioners) and a public sharing event will enhance the participants' experience, as well as providing opportunities for the creative sector. The form of the public sharing, whether exhibition, theatrical performance, concert, cabaret, podcast, or other, will be decided by the group, emphasizing participant agency. Part of the co-creation process will be for the participants to decide on a new name for the group. Moreover, the project seeks to expand its reach to new participants, particularly those facing barriers to engagement, through one-off taster sessions.

The uniqueness of this project lies in its dedication to amplifying women's voices, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology. Scratchworks, a female-led company, aims to positively impact Exeter's women who have faced homelessness, domestic abuse, and mental health difficulties. The project encourages participants to find their voice, share their stories, and develop skills, aligning with Scratchworks' decade-long commitment to telling women's stories.

The project's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident through its incorporation of the Theatre Green Book, encouraging the use of reclaimed materials and sourcing props and costumes second hand. This aligns with Scratchworks' ethos and contributes to a holistic and socially responsible approach.

By addressing the 'pride in place' criteria, the project aims to break down social and financial barriers faced by participants, culminating in a creatively empowered group. Looking ahead, the project envisions a sustained relationship with CoLab, aligning with plans for an Exeter Women's Centre in the future. The long-term goal includes offering a creative outlet, upskilling opportunities, and contributing to the health and well-being of disadvantaged women.

Scratchworks recognizes the challenges of maintaining momentum and retaining participants, and the commission is seen as a transformative opportunity to elevate the project's ambition and impact. The envisaged 40 hours of in-person contact time per participant, coupled with a high-quality creative sharing and detailed evaluation, aims to nurture and inspire participants.

Ultimately, ‘Women of Wonder’ embodies the Creative Arc programme’s ambitions for meaningful community participation, creativity, and empowerment, responding directly to the resilience of the Exeter community. Ethically guided by a Trauma-Informed approach and the principle of working with 'what's strong, not what's wrong,' the project values the shared connection in making creative discoveries. The anticipated ripple effect on Exeter's cultural creativity underscores the profound impact of supporting these women on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.