Routes

Routes was a reflective and layered performance exploring questions of identity, heritage, and belonging. Created by the The Multi-Story Orchestra Young Creatives with music leaders and composers Frances Lobo, Abimaro Gunnell, and Kate Whitley, the work examined how personal and cultural journeys shape who we are, drawing on the real experiences of the young participants involved.

Under the direction of Abi Falase, the production combined original songs, orchestral arrangements, and storytelling to trace individual perspectives and collective narratives. The performance used music and spoken word to move between intimate moments of reflection and broader explorations of community, capturing a range of voices and experiences.

Through newly written songs and orchestral textures, Routes explored the connections between personal history and shared cultural identity. The work balanced moments of quiet introspection with fuller musical statements, creating a performance that was both expressive and thoughtful.

Audiences responded positively to the show’s clarity of storytelling and the way it gave shape to diverse experiences of identity and belonging. Routes stood out within the orchestra’s repertoire for its focus on personal narrative and its nuanced exploration of heritage and community.