A play discussing the fears associated with becoming a teenager was written, rehearsed and debuted in just five days during a project led by Croydon Council’s youth arts service, Croydon Youth Arts.
The popular project has been running for several years and now attracts a huge waiting list of budding theatre-makers.
In previous years, the themes explored have included Croydon as a place to live, the changes people go through in life, and the closing night at the Croydon Grand Theatre in the 1950s.
The 16 young people aged between 11 and 18 who took part in this year’s ‘Play in a Week’ came together from a wide range of different backgrounds. They had the chance to share their own experiences and fears of becoming a teenager as the basis for the play, which was performed at the Fairfield Halls.
One parent said how the projects have been a ‘lifeline’ for their daughter and one of the actors explained how “…the cast are like my family now, I’ve made so many friends in just one week.”
“To write and put on a play in just a few days was tremendous, and a fantastic achievement. What’s even better is that these projects use culture as a really safe way of discussing experiences and emotions and helping young people support one another.”
Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
