Peer Productions’ latest production Hidden by Nina Lemon. Hidden tells the story of the recovery of three very different teenagers as they struggle with their mental health problems and self-harming behaviour; This play, for years 8+ has been developed in consultation with clinicians, those who have recovered from self-harm and leading charities in the field. Open Drama UK’s Ali Warren got the chance to watch the live stream in advance and review the performance for the Open Drama UK Network.
The play presents challenging issues particularly centred around mental health and self-harm. HIDDEN tells the story of the recovery of three very different teenagers as they struggle with problems with mental health and self-harming behaviour. Sophia, Matt and Tash all use self-harm to cope with their feelings, but other issues amongst the people around them are also explored. There is reference to a suicide and to racist bullying of a Muslim girl, who is one of the most positive characters in the play. The characters cover a wide range from a girl from a home which has been affected by physical abuse to another character based in an independent school.
HIDDEN is performed with great energy and vitality by a company of young actors and the play is trying to pack a lot of information in. At times, this can feel slightly simplistic in its resolutions of the characters’ problems but the play has strong messages that are conveyed in such a way to make it palatable and to provoke discussion. Adults involved with young people might be able to take some messages from this, too! There is a high level of clarity in the presentation about the need to respond to support and that this may not always been through a formal structure. The messages come over very clearly. This may not work with a bunch of cynical Year 11s but would work well with groups from Year 8 to 10.
As a piece of performance, there is a lot for Drama students to take on. Good use of Drama performance techniques such as excellent physical theatre examples, chorus work and smooth multi-roling techniques including small changes of costume. The play is well constructed with characters moving from monologue to choral comment to naturalistic interactions. Nina Lemon’s dialogue has a natural feel which would also make a strong piece for GCSE performance for a cast of 6 (It’s probably worth checking out her other play LOSING IT, about issues of consent, for the same purpose; both plays are available from the amazing SALAMANDER STREET).
The design of the show is simple but unusual and effective. Three living trees (one for each character) in tubs on wheels are moving by the actors at specific moments as a way of indicating moments when each character has a moment of realisation that helps them move to a happier place. Otherwise it’s a set of classic black stage blocks found in Drama studios all over the country!
There is an excellent 52-page teacher booklet to support the digital performance which features a good blend of support materials for both Drama and PSHE lessons and arranged for use with either KS3 or KS4. There is even advice for how to use the material for whole school CPD training for staff if it is an issue that your school feels they need to address. For the students there is a free booklet discussing the performance but also providing advice and support for themselves or those around them.
On Peer Productions YouTube channel there is a massive range of supportive videos including an important video explaining the content of the piece to reassure anyone planning to share the piece with young people that the performance doesn’t include anything that sensationalises the topics covered. Other videos include actors talking through key scenes, insight into rehearsals and design decisions, discussions about individual characters and interviews with the director and the playwright. This provides a valuable supportive resource for anyone using the performance with a class, especially at KS4 and could be used as part of a “flipped learning” initiative.
Peer Productions says that their vision is use “theatre to transform young peoples’ lives” and this show is ambitious in its scope but doubly so in the support materials in place. This should be a model for other companies to follow.
The piece is 90 minutes long but the package allows for it to be stopped three times and it is suggested that it is presented in classroom situations in 30-minute chunks which makes it manageable for its use within a normal timetable set up. At £55 for the package for one showing and at time when visits to A and E by young people related to self-harm are at an all-time high it seems that this might be a bit of school budget well spent.
For more information about Hidden by Nina West and produced by Peer Productions click here.