The Journey

The move from Primary to High School is one that can have the biggest effect on young people

The Journey is aimed at pupils in Primary Six, to help them realise and discuss what situations they might face

The play explores the developing relationships between a group of young friends as they journey through primary towards secondary school. The people they meet and the places they go exert different influences on their behaviour. Parents and teachers may put on certain restrictions, whereas peer pressure may encourage a sense of rebellion

As they move into adolescence, attempting to cope with these influences, they discover a secret place. This disused railway arch is where they can be by themselves, talk the way they want and escape from the authority figures who run their lives

From here they can put their thoughts into practice and try out ideas on their friends. They confide in each other, have a laugh and try to come to terms with the changes affecting them. As they grow older they experience more freedom, staying out later and ranging further afield

The lack of parental control is not always accompanied by the sense of responsibility it requires,and when a new kid stumbles into the gang's hideout the balance and behaviour of the group is thrown into disarray. Loyalties are challenged, boasts are made and a feeling of bravado permeates the group

To help them balance what they know to be the correct and safe options, with the ever-increasing pressures to rebel, and to examine the influences that might pressure them in many directions; the play is split into performance and forum sections - the forum sections allow the audience to examine, discuss and re-direct what they have seen