Why a show inspired by young people isn’t just for young people

When we last spoke (via the blog) we dove into one of the themes in Sitting in the Grey, the bystander effect and adult / young people dynamics. Since then we have taken the show on tour to Schools in Torbay. As with every tour, we’ve had many MoJs and also many reflections along the way. One of them being that adults don’t always attend shows, especially alone, if it’s a play about young people.

Of course, there are shows that are aimed at a specific age. However, just because the protagonist is a teenager, does not mean that the show isn’t for people beyond this age.

Take Inside Out 2 for instance, a great example of an animation that had a significant impact on all ages that watched it. Helping people to think about the regulation of their own emotions and those of others. It’s not unusual for adults to watch films with younger protagonists, so we also want to encourage one another to do the same within theatre spaces.

Plays centred around coming-of-age, building of friendships, changing of studies or home life and cementing who they want to be in this life from a young person's perspective are the types of story that should be observed by all.Not only does it allow adults to look back at their own lives and how they’ve changed and grown, but also reminds them of the things within young people’s live that are of importance to them, alongside the role they now play in validating young peoples experiences and emotions.

A piece of work focused on younger perspective has no less value than one from an older perspective. Let this serve as a reminder to listen to the young people around you and support work telling their stories!