Masking

"It's not really surprising that our generation would be struggling. It's a sane response to an insane world."

When the school's lockdown alarm sounds everyone assumes it's a drill. But soon a group of year 9 students find themselves stuck in a geography classroom with only Deputy Head Prefect Jamie to keep them under control. It becomes clear that the school is in lockdown because of an 'incident with a pupil.' While the group speculates as to the identity of the student and the nature of the 'incident' it slowly emerges that, although no one's talking about it, the students are all grappling with mental health issues of their own.

Nina Lemon's insightful play sensitively explores the challenges faced by a group of school kids as they cope with
a high-stakes school system in a world that's piling on the pressure.

Masking is an original play created with and for youth arts charity Peer Productions.

"Moving and unflinching- Masking not only reflects the realities of today's classrooms but celebrates the voices of those within them." - Katy Secombe (actor, director, drama coach)

CASTING: 7 actors of equal weight (3 identifying as female, 2 as male and 2 of any gender - playing 13-17 years)

RUNNING TIME: 60-75 minutes