From Shadows to Spotlight: Mardin’s Journey of Hope and Resilience
From growing up in Iran with a passion for theatre to rediscovering his voice and purpose through the Good Chance’s Stage Door Programme, meet Mardin!
Tell us about yourself! Who are you, where are you from / your background?
My name is Mardin! I’m 21 years old, Kuridsh and grew up in Iran but had to leave my home due to my Kurdish and political background. Theatre, for me, has always been a place of justice and expression. Where the world that I would dream of before sleep on my bed could come to life and get the dirt of outer world to vanish. As I grew up behind the curtains watching my dad directing and acting, I watched alive stories that demanded change, that fought for truth. That deepened the roots of passion for theatre in my heart from the early days. A passion that only needed 3 simple things, a strong message, a stage and a powerful voice.
Why did you apply for Stage Door?
After becoming a displaced refugee elsewhere in the world with a completely new set of humans and cultures and societies, with a shut down voice and taken away stage, I was only left with a strong message; one of justice and unity. It took over 3 years living in the UK for me to find my voice and stage again with a hint that resonated with me; the hint was Good Chance Stage Door Programme, which was exactly what I was looking forward to for a long time. I applied for this role for two reasons: a) Good Chance stage has been a living book that tells stories of justice and a better world and opens minds of the young and the old. b) There was a space for me or anyone else with the same passion on that stage too through the Stage Door Programme! This was an opportunity not to be missed.
What have you learnt during your placement so far?
Throughout my placement I learnt that nothing is unachievable with a great team, a good cause to gather around and a shared vision. I extended my administrative and production skills beside many others by being mentored and advised by the Good Chance team. It was not just a job, but it was a valuable experience of learning and gaining knowledge and the lost confidence helping me find my way and a small place on the stage of arts again.
A favourite memory from your time with Good Chance?
Every moment at Good Chance has been a favourite. From the fun office talks that take all your bad moods away from you and instead gift you a smile, to production projects that are something beyond a project, they are a process of nurturing a vision of a more just and humane world. But at the end of the day, simply being a Good chancer was the most pleasant thought and memory, ensuring me that I am on the right path.
From behind the scenes to in front of the audience, I also got the chance to perform in From Here On! Standing by other young people with similar experiences and struggles on a stage that was surrounded by people covered in tears watching us be the voices of innocent displaced children, highlighting the importance of humane and safe routes for all people around the world.
At Good Chance we built something together, stories that mattered, stories that moved people to tears, stories that resonated with hearts.
Why do you think programmes like Stage Door are important?
I believe these programmes are important as they are an open door to a new passion and opportunity that may have been taken away due to an unfair world. Good and capable people who are ready to shine through and only need a hand in this industry to give them the strength.
Have you discovered any new passions while working at Good Chance?
As I sit to write this, I find myself flooded with memories and gratitude. My time with you has been a journey, one of passion, growth, and rediscovery.
I had only been a theatre actor before this opportunity, but now I have realised that I enjoy and thrive also for producing theatre. Working backstage and helping to bring a whole production together has also become one of my passions and goals in the art world. The chance to get involved with the From Here On project and its partners such as Safe Passage enhanced my passion even further for advocating for safe routes for those who need them.
What are you doing next? What would you like to do further in the future?
I have seen that the message, the stage and the voices are there to shout for a better world. I also have seen people who hear and listen to these voices, but it’s another thing to act on what we learn! Capable in the heart as well as by authority. My goal is to listen more and expand my vision and be the one who brings these stories to reality.
Good Chance will always remain a part of me, etched into my story, woven into my heart - thank you for giving me this stage again! It’s something I’ll never forget. And a special thank you to John Seaton and the Mo Siewcharran Fund who have supported my Stage Door placement with Good Chance through Creative Access - your generosity has been transformative.
Headshot Photography © Amir Ibrahimi · Production Photography © Malachy Luckie
