Arc news: October 2008
Presenting To Die For
written by Clifford Oliver, directed by Andy Rogers
Some young people carry knives. It's not a new thing; it's been going on for years. When questioned, many will say that they do it for their own protection, but is that true? Are our streets so dangerous that children as young as ten or eleven have to arm themselves?
Fear, bravado, or fashion? At a time when the number of young people dying from knife attacks is spiralling, Arc has produced a new play for young people to explore this extremely raw and urgent social issue with sensitivity and respect.
Arc's dynamic young cast will take its audience on a powerful and poignant journey using contemporary music and language. Commissioned by Havering Community Safety Partnership , the play and follow-up workshop encourages young people to engage in examining the issues and to draw upon their own experiences and behaviours.
To Die For isn't set in a knife-crime hot spot. It doesn't focus on 'gang-related violence'. It's a play about ordinary young people and the choices they make, the impact of their actions and the need to be 'cool'. It's about the effects of drugs or alcohol on their ability to make decisions but, most of all, it's about staying safe.
Arc's new weapon-carrying play is the third in a series of new performance programmes commissioned by the Havering Community Safety Partnership.
Touring thirteen London Borough of Havering schools and PRUs from 14 November until 1 December, To Die For is a powerful new piece with interactive workshop for Secondary Years 9 and 10.
Showcase performance
We have a limited number of complementary seats available for police, community, education and youth workers at a special Showcase performance of To Die For at Arc's Malthouse Studios on Monday 1 December. To find out more, please contact Theresa Snooks, Communications Manager on 020 8594 1095 or by email on theresa@arctheatre.com.
