Hackney Empire

Vex

4 July 2009 - 5 July 2009

Venue: HE Studio

Price(s): £3

School’s never been so exciting
Just because I got the gun don’t mean I have to do all the shootin’

A gripping drama about youth, dreams and darkness, a theatre piece that mixes poetic hip-hop and text. Set in the turbulent terrain of an inner city comprehensive, Vex highlights the story of Tigs, a young boy growing up, trying to navigate his way through school life and his dreams for the future.

Mr Fuller’s English class are studying Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men for their upcoming GCSE. But does this 1930s exploration of the American Dream with Lenny and George’s longing to “live of the fatta the land” have anything to say to today’s teenagers.

Simon Parker the writer and director, along with DJ/composer Excalibah has collaborated with the pupils from St Bonaventure’s Catholic Comprehensive School and neighbouring girls school St Angela’s Ursuline School. Year 12 pupils studying drama, music, media and citizenship studies will be performing. They have been exploring the language in the play mixing Shakespeare’s prose and Newham slang. First performed at The Half Moon Theatre November 2008

Written and directed by Simon Parker
Soundscape by Excalibah

Presented in collaboration with St Bonaventure’s School and St Angela Ursuline School Newham London.

Funded by Jack Petchy
The Goldsmiths Company
The National Lottery
Arts Council England

Find us at: www.cryingoutloud.org or on Facebook

Photo by Hannah Blakeston Lodge