Young actors will be exploring the impact of knife crime as part of an Ashford theatre project co-ordinated by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit*.
‘It’s About Your Son’ was written by television scriptwriter Deborah Cook and will be performed by members of the Acting Up group who attend the Homewood School in Tenterden.
The free shows are 30 minutes long with time for discussion afterwards and will take place at the following locations:
- Thursday 7 July – 4pm in the ball court outside Stanhope Library;
- Thursday 7 July – 6.30pm at Victoria Park;
- Friday 8 July – 4pm at Tenterden Recreation Ground;
- Friday 8 July – 6.30pm at Sinden Theatre, Tenterden.
Among the topics tackled in the performances are the difficulties of peer pressure and the impact of violence on friends, family and the wider community.
Violence Reduction Unit Manager, Chief Inspector Lara Connor, said: ‘Knife crime ruins people’s lives and tears families apart, and we support any initiative that seeks to educate young people about the consequences of such dangerous behaviour. We are very grateful to the talented performers from Acting Up and everyone else who has helped to bring this thought-provoking theatre project to life. It poses some important questions about peer pressure and bullying and will hopefully empower young people to stand up and speak out in the face of violence. The performances are open to all members of the public and also provide us with a great opportunity to promote the wide range of support services available to anyone seeking a route away from crime.’
* The Violence Reduction Unit is a partnership between Kent Police, local councils, health service providers and other key agencies that aims to address the causes of violent crime and support those involved and affected by it.