FUTURE VOICES was an initiative to create theatre that both reflects and speaks for the young people in our communities most at risk of cultural exclusion.
In September 2017 the Southwark Playhouse began working with twenty-four young people in five schools across South London. Each school was paired with a professional writing mentor, who helped to develop students’ skills in writing for performance through regular workshops, with the aim of ultimately enabling each young person to write a short piece for performance. These were showcased in front of an audience at the Southwark Playhouse on the 19th and 20th April 2018.
DWS Audio recorded eleven of these plays during the dress rehearsal period, and we are proud to present the first of these here.
INJUSTICE by Blessing Okuchukwu (Sacred Heart Catholic College) – Jamal is accused of stealing a bag of rice. Is he guilty, or simply the victim of racial prejudice?
90s LOVE by Nana Opoku (Sacred Heart Catholic College) – Paige and Justice share a kiss. Could it be that they are more than just mates?
A WOMAN’S TOUCH by Joanna Byrne (Platanos College) – May 1926. The coal miners are on strike over pay reductions and worsening conditions. But in a world dominated by men, what can a women do to help their cause?
Part One:
Part Two:
Cast:
Teri Ann Bobb Baxter
Matthew Castle
Timothy Knightley
Shauna McLean
Kaajel Patel
Prince Plockey
Director:
Rob Drummer
Future Voices was co-ordinated by David Workman (Youth & Community Director at the Southwark Playhouse). The project was generously supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, The Peter Cruddas Foundation and the Ashley Family Foundation.