Give youth a chance

Bristol Old Vic Young Company blew my mind away last night. Partly this was because of their performance, and partly because it made me change my mind of what I wanted to write this blog about. The young cast demonstrated something I have long known, but they demonstrated it with power, gusto and confidence. They used theatre to express themselves with clarity and eloquence.

They were helped immeasurably by the material, and the director. The National Theatre’s Anthony Banks directed them in a production of “BASSETT” by the excellent excellent EXCELLENT young writer James Graham. “BASSETT” is set in a Citizenship class in a School in Wootton Bassett and openly puts young people’s voices into the limelight. When James wrote the play – a discussion about the state of our war torn world since 9/11 – he spoke to young people to get their views. He writes their words incredibly, so naturally, that I didn’t even feel like I was watching a piece of theatre.

I am lucky enough to work in an industry where this is a common-place experience, and lucky enough to work for an organization where there are regular case studies of this in action. Travelling Light Theatre Company’s contribution to the Bristol Princes Trust project Truth About Youth (funded by the Cooperative Foundation – visit http://www.co-operative.coop for more information) was another demonstrable project where young people took to the stage and told the audience in no uncertain terms about what, and how, they feel about the World. The piece they created, “PUPPET PEOPLE” delved into the buzzing minds of ten young people not in education, employment or training. They all had something to say about where they fit in society, but most importantly they valued being listened to, and heard, by the audience.

Can we have more projects like this in the world please? Can more of us give more young people more chances to speak their mind? And can more of us find more ways to try to listen to and understand what they think?

I’m helping to run a debate with young people at Barton Hill Settlement in a few weeks – a debate to discuss relevant issues like the withdrawal of the Education Maintenance Allowance, the recent riots, unemployment, gang and street crime… and other issues that are prevalent in their lives, and I’ve no doubt the participants will enjoy the chance to talk and be heard. Having a forum to express oneself and to know your view means something, that maybe it might even influence something, is where theatre and the arts can really be a powerful tool.

Originally I was going to write about The Audience of a Play With and For Young People. And I’ll do that next time. But I was fascinated by the way in which these young performers left their audience with a bold denouement. In both “Bassett” and “Puppet People” the audience were left with a striking image, a challenging statement, a daring action. They’ve been left with something that will make them talk outside of the auditorium. And something that might change the preconceptions that they have of young people’s opinions.

Theatre gives young people the opportunity to project their voice. So let’s listen, and let’s do more.