Pressure Drop
Published on 15. September 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
96 pages
978-1-7399599-8-2 (ISBN)
Description
Pressure Drop follows siblings Mya and Daniel. Following an out of character violent outburst, Daniel is placed in the school exclusion room where he meets Michael, a regular. Daniel's sister, Mya has always been a star student, but when her boyfriend shares a naked picture of her online, her life is shattered. She turns to her friend Jayden for support, but he is quick to blame her. Meanwhile, Michael and Daniel form an unlikely friendship based on a common love of Anime however when a group of older boys target Daniel about his sister, Michael's desire to protect his friend leads to serious consequences.
Reviews / Votes
"Pressure Drop is a brilliant example of how theatre can profoundly impact young people, helping them to navigate a complex world with clarity and understanding. Bringing resonant and powerful stories directly into the centre of schools not only gives young people access to high-quality theatre, but possibly transforms their lives in the process."; Rob Watt, Artistic Director, Theatre Centre; "It provides opportunities for the real world of young people to be brought to them in a safe setting."; Head of Year, Little Ilford SchoolMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Target group
Young adult
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
150 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-7399599-8-2 (9781739959982)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Growing up in Hackney in the 90s exposed me to a vibrant mix of cultures: The Gayhurst primary school carnival where we were all dressed as planets (I was Jupiter); my first taste of ackee and saltfish from Peppers and Spice; a Bengali dance class in the community hall; and my Turkish peers playing Saz at the Stoke Newington festival to name a few. I'm very grateful to have grown up here.
My journey as a writer and arts practitioner has existed alongside my 14-year career as a youth worker across Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Islington youth provisions. It meant a great deal to come back to Hackney to work on a play with young people from the borough, for the borough (and beyond). My passion for young people is equal to my passion for the creative arts, and Pressure Drop is very much a joining of the two.
Through workshops with local youth groups and R&D with Immediate Theatre, we explored young people's aspirations, joys, fears, relationships, and experiences of growing up. I wanted to capture the importance of connection and friendship at that age, whilst tackling some of the serious challenges and issues young people have to navigate. Young people's response to the play was crucial throughout the writing process, with a full read through of the first draft with Immediate Theatre's young actors, and further development of the script after the first school tour.
A huge thank you to the Immediate Theatre young people who opened their hearts and minds and gave me the seed with which to grow Michael, Daniel, Mya, and Jayden. To the inspiring young actors who brought those characters off the page and breathed life into them. And to all the young people I have had the honour of working with throughout my journey, thank you for being part of my story - this play is for you.
My journey as a writer and arts practitioner has existed alongside my 14-year career as a youth worker across Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Islington youth provisions. It meant a great deal to come back to Hackney to work on a play with young people from the borough, for the borough (and beyond). My passion for young people is equal to my passion for the creative arts, and Pressure Drop is very much a joining of the two.
Through workshops with local youth groups and R&D with Immediate Theatre, we explored young people's aspirations, joys, fears, relationships, and experiences of growing up. I wanted to capture the importance of connection and friendship at that age, whilst tackling some of the serious challenges and issues young people have to navigate. Young people's response to the play was crucial throughout the writing process, with a full read through of the first draft with Immediate Theatre's young actors, and further development of the script after the first school tour.
A huge thank you to the Immediate Theatre young people who opened their hearts and minds and gave me the seed with which to grow Michael, Daniel, Mya, and Jayden. To the inspiring young actors who brought those characters off the page and breathed life into them. And to all the young people I have had the honour of working with throughout my journey, thank you for being part of my story - this play is for you.