Rakeem - Zest Stories

Rakeem has been part of Zest’s journey since Youthquake, bringing honesty, heart, and a deep commitment to youth voice. Thoughtful, grounded, and compassionate, he strengthens our community by reminding us why creating space for young people truly matters.

Rakeem has contributed to the following projects:
Youthquake (2019/20)
*untitled (2020)
Never Was A Normal (2021)
The Forum (2022/23)
Future Proof (2020-present)

How did you get involved with Zest Theatre?

‘I got involved with Zest during my time studying Performing Arts at Newham Sixth Form College. They came in to deliver a workshop with our group, capturing our stories and ideas. Zest then used the words from that workshop, as well as those from other young people elsewhere in the UK, to essentially create the story for Youthquake.

‘Later that year, we were asked to be part of the cast that performed in Youthquake, and I was part of the two performances at Stratford Circus. Being part of a theatre production that focused on youth voice at my local professional venue was so special to me. Our college group bonded more during this experience, and it gave me more confidence to interact with people.

‘I felt like this project with Zest gave a voice to young people. At the time, I didn’t feel like I was heard, so being involved in Youthquake gave me the opportunity to actually use my voice in a good way, and it’s been something that’s changed me in a positive way. I wouldn’t have gained some of the confidence I have without being involved with Youthquake.’

What motivated you to join the Future Proof team with Zest Theatre?

’When I was involved with Youthquake, it felt like it ended too quickly - it was this great experience, and then suddenly it was over. When I was invited to join Future Proof, I realised I could support other young people and help give them a voice, just as being involved with Youthquake had done for me, with I wanted to have the opportunity to share these experiences, so other young people could have a similar experiences to those I’d had with Zest.

‘I’ve felt motivated to stay, as I feel like I’ve grown a bond with everyone that’s part of Future Proof. Although I don’t always speak at the meetings, there’s a unique feeling of community within the team. We’re based across the country, but we’re still connected through our work, so it would be emotionally difficult for me to leave.

In what ways has your involvement with Zest Theatre influenced your career path?

’Zest was an influence on my experience at University of East London. During my course at the time, the focus was on bringing theatre to various locations, including schools, colleges, and hospitals. At the time, I chose to focus on schools and providing workshops and performances influenced by Zest’s work. My group chose to base our concept on mental health, with the concept being that we’re left in a waiting room and are never seen. Without experiencing the work from Zest with young people, I wouldn’t have based my work on youth voice and performances within a school setting.

‘Everything I’ve experienced with Zest over the years will follow me wherever I end up. Whether I work in a similar environment or something different, everything I’ve learned with Zest and Future Proof will carry through into my future.’

How have your experiences with Zest Theatre benefited you personally?

‘I have gained more confidence around people, as Zest has encouraged me to use my voice more effectively within social situations and has also helped me meet different people with diverse views and backgrounds. Engaging with a diverse group has also helped me form connections with people and has helped me make friends in other scenarios.

Being part of Future Proof has also encouraged me to express my thoughts openly. There was a long time when I would hide things about myself, but I feel less inclined to hide them now. For example, I recently came out as gay at a Future Proof meeting. This is something I’ve known since I was a teenager, and I’ve kept it hidden from my family until I shared it with them at the beginning of 2025. Sharing this with my family was quite scary because I didn’t know what the reaction would be, but it was a positive experience as they were happy that I was able to share it with them.

I would have felt uncomfortable sharing this before, but as time has passed, I’ve become more confident and comfortable, and I'm now able to say that this is part of me, and Zest helped me do that. They have enabled me to meet LGBTQ+ people who have shared their own experiences, and I feel much more confident in sharing who I am since Zest and Future Proof have allowed me to be more open about myself.

Could you share any standout moments, stories or achievements with Zest Theatre?

‘I would say one of the standout moments was in the ending of our first performance of Youthquake. We had a giant celebration where everyone would dance on stage, and people would rush on, with confetti raining from the ceiling. It stood out because it was a time when everyone came together, everyone was celebrating together, and it captured what Zest was trying to achieve with Youthquake. Our story shared that, although mental health is a very serious topic that affects a lot of people, it’s not always a dark situation, as there’s hope that it is something you can come out of and enjoy moments of celebration with the people who understand you.’