Milton Keynes College takes part in ‘Biggest Youth Theatre Festival on the Planet’

Posted 21st March 2017

Performing Arts students from Milton Keynes College are among 260 companies taking part in National Theatre Connections – a nationwide celebration of new plays for young people.

The 10 students from Milton Keynes College will be performing Extremism; a gritty and challenging play, written by critically acclaimed playwright Anders Lustgarten.

Extremism is one of 10 brand new plays, written especially for Connections by a selection of the best playwriting talent in the UK. The story takes place in any school in England; where gossip and banter are rife, and ‘Extremism’ is the word on everyone’s lips; but what does it mean? Does anyone fully understand what it actually means in a modern Great Britain?

The play will be performed at Milton Keynes College on 21, 22 and 23 March, where the National Theatre will watch, review and report back on the College’s interpretation of the production. Extremism will next be performed at the Royal & Derngate theatre in Northampton on 4 May, and the College then hopes to be one of 10 selected to perform on stage at the National Theatre.

Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, said: “Connections is at the heart of the National Theatre’s work for young people and one of the most exciting and important projects we do. We think it is vital that young people, wherever they are in the country and whatever their future path, have a chance to get involved in theatre.”

Wyn Moss, Lecturer in Performing Arts at Milton Keynes College had the opportunity to meet the playwright and explains why the College picked this particular play: “When I met with Anders Lustgarten, I was struck by his desire to challenge the stereotypes and media propaganda around such intrinsic topics as extremism, and his willingness to give the people involved a voice.

“This play is about fear, friendship and the creeping polarisation of our society, and gives our students the unique opportunity to explore and challenge perceptions of extremism.

“Performances are free to attend and I would particularly encourage anyone interested in studying drama and a future in the performing arts to come along.”

To book to see Milton Keynes College perform Extremism contact michelle.lockwood@mkcollege.ac.uk

For further information about Performing Arts Courses at Milton Keynes College visit www.mkcollege.ac.uk/subjects-we-offer/performing-arts-and-make-up-artistry or to find out more about National Theatre Connections, visit nationaltheatre.org.uk/connections.
Suitable for ages 15+