Arc news: March 2009

Boy X by Clifford Oliver, directed by Carole Pluckrose

On 25 February, Arc hosted a special performance at The Malthouse of its hard-hitting new play Boy X - the third in Arc's powerful Stereo Trilogy written by Clifford Oliver.

 

Four boys stand at a graveside. Boy X is dead. Another 16-year old murdered. The cycle of revenge begins again.

 

Boy X builds on the themes of  Stereo and To Die For, exploring weapon-carrying, gang culture and violent crime. The play is performed by four of Arc's dynamic young actors who, along with actor Troy Glasgow, helped develop the story through workshops drawing upon real experiences of living on gang dominated estates.  The play is followed by a lively discussion where young people are offered a safe forum to talk about their feelings, fears and the complex pressures they experience.

Boy X with actors Jordan Barrett, Michael Kofi, Lee Vassell and Tendayi Jembere
Images courtesy of Katie Snooks

 

Boy X was performed at Arc's home in Barking in front of an invited audience of young people and youth workers from Barking & Dagenham and guests from the Metropolitan Police, Home Office and the Borough's Arts Development Team.

Lee Vassell and Tendayi Jembere in dialogue with the audience

 

Boy X is touring secondary schools in Barnet for two weeks from 27 February, with plans in hand to visit Hackney, Haringey and other London Boroughs throughout 2009. The play was first performed on 17 February at EC1 Music Project in partnership with The Flavasum Trust, in memory of Tom Easton who was stabbed to death after leaving work there in September 2006. For more information, visit: http://www.theflavasumtrust.org/partners/arctheatre

 

"I was privileged to be in the audience last evening and to experience such a powerful drama, performed by four compelling young men. I really hope that engaging with our young people at risk through such drama, complemented by the standing up of good role models, in homes, wider families, and the community, will see a way out of the descending spiral of senseless activity, violence and killing."
Robin Field-Smith MBE, HM Inspector of Constabulary (Personnel, Training & Diversity), HM Inspectorate of Constabulary

"Just a quick note to congratulate you all on what was an excellent and powerful performance."
Michael McCormack, Arts Development Manager, Leisure and Arts, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham

 

About The Stereo Trilogy

To find out more contact Nita Bocking, General Manager on 020 8594 1095 or by email.