How GRT culture is being brought to life through story-telling and song

Published on 27, June, 2024

Internationally acclaimed performance storyteller, author and playwright Richard O’Neill, and professional musician and songwriter George Hoyle, have returned to the University of Sunderland as part of its Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) History Month celebrations.

Richard and George have been working together since 2020 to create unique and exciting folk songs and stories to bring GRT culture to life.

On Wednesday 26 June, the pair delivered an array of events to hundreds of school pupils, teachers, University staff and students. An online interactive ‘Story Into Song’ masterclass at the University’s David Puttnam Media Centre, St Peter’s, was streamed to hundreds of pupils from schools across the country.

There were also in-person ‘Lyrical Inclusion’ and ‘Speed Songwriting’ workshops at City Campus which were attended by pupils from Stanhope Primary School in South Shields and St Teresa’s Catholic Primary in Darlington.

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Richard, who was born and raised in a large traditional nomadic Romani family, said: “We know what a musical city Sunderland is and how supportive of creativity the University is and we're so pleased to be able to make our contribution to both.”

George added: “I feel lucky to have the opportunity to share a musical journey. I am here to talk about creativity, respect for different roads and the joy of music.”

Currently only 6.9% of Gypsy and Roma people access higher education. The University of Sunderland has a deep-rooted commitment to widening access and recognises the barriers and challenges that Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman and Boater (GTRSB) communities may face within education and are working directly with students to provide personalised support based on individual needs.

In January 2021 the University were one of the first in the UK to sign the GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge, a firm public commitment to support GTRSB students to access and succeed in higher education..

Wendy Price OBE, Head of Widening Access and Participation at the University of Sunderland, said: “As part of the University’s Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month celebrations, we were delighted to welcome Richard and George back to Sunderland, the place where they shared their first live music performance in 2022.

“At the University of Sunderland we are proud to offer transformative experiences to talented students from all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring fair access for all, and we recognise the barriers and challenges that Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen and Boater (GTRSB) communities may face within education. Through our GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge commitment we provide outreach activities and training to not only raise awareness, but also to celebrate the contribution that GRT communities bring to society.”