THEATRE; The Periodicals by Sian Owen

In a near-future setting, a band of resourceful and technologically adept young individuals forms a renegade community. They have chosen the vast expanse of the Sandy Fills Landfill Site as their unlikely haven, where they skillfully live off the land. Evading the watchful eyes of authority figures, particularly those from the education sector, becomes their daily routine. These authorities are eager to reintegrate them into the schooling system, motivated by the negative public perception of their absence.

However, the conventional educational system has lost its appeal to these youths. Their experiences within school walls were marred by neglect and underestimation, where they were often viewed as burdens rather than individuals with potential. This group has, therefore, decisively turned their backs on formal education, embracing a life where the confines of school are a distant memory.

This compelling narrative is brought to life by the talented members of the Black Cherry Senior Youth Theatre. They are set to perform this story as part of the prestigious National Theatre Connections Festival 2024, which stands as the United Kingdom’s most extensive youth theatre festival. Their portrayal aims to capture the essence of independence, resilience, and the quest for identity in a world that often fails to recognize the unique strengths of its younger members.