VEX

written & directed by Simon Parker

Vex is a gripping drama about youth, dreams and darkness.  A theatre piece that mixes poetic hip-hop, Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' and text.  Set in the turbulent terrain of an inner city comprehensive, Vex is the story of one boy, one gun and a classroom full of dreams.

Simon Parker is a writer and teacher and the inspiration for Vex came directly from the classroom. 

He has had the opportunity to collaborate with young people in Newham from St Bonaventure's and St Angela's School. The students created a visual narrative and with the help from sound artist, Excalibah, devised a sound-scape for the play. Prior to 2007 Simon worked with young adults as part of the BBC Blast tour and continues to develop the piece.

This residency was performed in November 2008 at the Half Moon Young People's Theatre. 

Upcoming shows:

Hackney Empire

Saturday 4 July 2009 7:00 pm
Sunday 5 July 2009 2:00 pm & 5:00pm

Box Office: (0)20 8985 2424

www.hackneyempire.co.uk

£3

 Comments from past audiences:

"I thought it was really funny, sad and intense.  I was laughing a lot at how real the characters were, as a student I can relate to the different characters in the classroom."

"I thought the play was enormously impressive and engaging... The music was great and the young people acted well."

"...I've worked with teens a lot and I think the play has a very positive representation of young people"