We Could Be Heroes is a collaborative theatre project, based on, and supported by, Dr Phillip Zimbardo and the “Heroic Imagination Project”. It’s about heroes, why we have them, why we need them, and how we can all become one.

This exciting new project is rooted firmly in empowering young people to speak out and voice their thoughts, fears, and desires on the society, culture and world they live in. The aim is to redefine heroism and make it more relevant for a 21st century world, and give voice and space to the people we revere and regard as our own heroes.

Central to the HIP’s mission is to redefine the way we look at heroes and heroism (in turn; villains and villainy), and empower young people to stand up to oppression and help each other: developing a network of ‘heroes-in-waiting’. We celebrate the little instances of heroism in our own lives; revere the people we hold up as our role models and inspiration, and remember those who fight in the name of liberty and freedom for everyday folk like you and I.

Core themes are inspired by conversations with Dr Zimbardo, author of The Lucifer Effect, renowned psychologist, and director of the renowned Heroic Imagination Project, in 2016. His research with the Heroic Imagination Project ("HIP") - who also support this project and its mission - has been pivotal to the themes and topics explored in this project.

Each time we work with a new group, the content changes. It's re-written, produced, and devised anew; allowing the new cast to present their unique cultural, gendered, generational, and personal experiences, and build on the wider mission. Each version of this show will be steered and directed by the core team, but it’s content and themes will be shaped and positioned by the participants critical, cultural, and creative voice.