Theatre youngsters get message across

May 7 2008 By Shirley Bartynek

YOUNGSTERS from Hamilton Information Project for Youth and Healthy Valleys Youth Drama project performed to packed audiences last week.

The young people toured for three nights with ‘Talk to Me’, a hard-hitting drama exploring issues around mental health and what it’s like being young today.

The first two performances were held at Douglas Primary School and Blackwood Hall and attracted capacity audiences from young people and their families and friends.

Hamilton Town House was the setting for a special performance with invited guests from South Lanarkshire Council, local youth organisations and keynote speaker Alan Lawrie, Director, South Community Health Partnership, NHS Lanarkshire.

Each performance was accompanied by a lively discussion forum and keypad consultation which provided the audience with the chance to explore some of the issues raised in the play, talk with the cast and production team and share their views.

Grace Quigley, co-ordinator of HIPY, said: “Talk to Me was created entirely by the young people from the Hamilton and Clydesdale area. They worked with Glasgow-based professional theatre company Solar Bear on a weekly basis over a four-month period. The drama has received a fantastic response across the South Lanarkshire area.

“It is hard-hitting and emotional and really reflects young people’s understanding of mental health issues.

“The cast have put in a tremendous amount of effort to raise awareness of sensitive issues and have had a unique opportunity to develop their theatre skills and self-confidence.”

The drama project has been funded by NHS Lanarkshire, Youth Link Scotland, Community Safety Partnership, Big Lottery and South Lanarkshire Council.