Theatre Worker
This is an anthology of ten plays, that were part of the National Theatre’s (UK) annual, nationwide youth theatre festival, Connections. The festival has been championing the talent of young people from across the UK (and beyond) since 1995.
This current anthology represents the full set of ten plays showcased in the 2024 edition of the Festival. It includes works by Abi Zakarian, Alexis Zegerman, Charlie Josephine, Elgan Rhys, Josh Azouz, Sian Owen, Titas Halder, Luke Barnes, Mojisola Adebayo, and Yasmeen Khan.
The plays in this collection touch on themes such as trans-rights, the mental health crisis, colonial history, disability activism, and climate change. They provide topical, pressing subject matter for students to explore in performance.
The plays were developed with input from young people, and this anthology includes workshop notes that give insight and inspiration for building characters, running rehearsals, and staging a production. This makes it a valuable resource not just for young performers, but also for educators and directors working with youth theatre groups.
Book contents
Connections Producer Introduction
Introduction by Ola Animashawun
Connections 2024 Synopses
Age is Revolting by Abi Zakarian
Cast size: flexible, with a suggested minimum cast size of eight; Recommended for ages 14+
Shout by Alexis Zegerman
Cast size: minimum of eight; Recommended for ages 15+
Orchestra by Charlie Josephine
Cast size: minimum of seven, no maximum; Recommended for ages 13+
Dy Enw Marw / Your Name is Dead by Elgan Rhys, in collaboration with Leo Drayton
Cast size: Flexible cast size, with 30 named characters; Recommended for ages 13+
Kiss / Marry / Push off Cliff by Josh Azouz
Cast size: nine; Suitable for all ages
The Periodicals by Sian Owen
Cast size: 14; Recommended for ages 14+
Replica by Titas Halder
Cast size: twenty-one characters, recommended minimum cast size of twelve; Recommended for ages 16+
The Sad Club by Luke Barnes, with music by Adam Pleeth
Cast size: minimum of 15; Recommended for ages 14+
Wind/Rush Generation(s) by Mojisola Adebayo
Cast size: 14 named characters, minimum cast size of eight; Recommended for ages 13+
Back in the Day by Yasmeen Khan
Cast size: 9 – 50, any gender; Suitable for all age