Students devised and performed a play to raise awareness of body issues among teenagers under the guidance of a director from an award-winning London theatre.
John Young, resident assistant director at Finborough Theatre, spent two and a half weeks with Glyndŵr University theatre, television and performance students creating a production looking at the issues of image and appearance.
The project was run in association with Wrexham Council, who led a series of workshops after the play was performed in front of 150 pupils from St Joseph’s High School at the Catrin Finch Centre.
A graduate of Clwyd Theatr Cymru’s Emerging Directors scheme, John came on board with Glyndŵr University through its long-standing relationship with the Mold-based theatre.
“My role has been to come in and devise a brand new show with them,” said John. “Although I directed it all of the students were involved in coming up with ideas and delivering the play.
“We didn’t want to preach to the audience with them being so young – the show was created with the aim of sparking discussion around body issues, how we should treat differences and treat each other.
“Modern day secondary school pupils have a really tough time. There are so many pressures on them that it’s difficult for them to be happy at times
“Hopefully something positive will come of the play. Even if only one or two pupils went away speaking about the issues we raised that’s really, really healthy.”
Huw Garmon, senior lecturer in theatre, television and performance, said the project demonstrated Glyndŵr University’s strengths in being connected with industry.
“The support we’ve had from John came purely through our links with Theatre Clwyd,” said Huw.
“It was fantastic to give the students the opportunity to work with him. Not too long ago he was in their position and now he is one of the country’s emerging young directors so it was great to show our students what can be achieved. John inspired all of them to deliver an excellent production.
“Theatre is a powerful medium for delivering messages and applied theatre projects such as this, working within the local community, are a key feature of the course here at Glyndŵr University.”
