A few months ago I reading a book and in the book there was comment that challenged and provoked me. It implied that teenagers can’t help but be moulded and shaped by the media, they are who they are essentially because of culture around them. They can’t escape from this.

Now I’m not saying that there is no truth in this statement because to a certain extent I think there is. But it got me thinking how our youth theatre would respond to being told that they are so impressionable and unable to form their own opinions without being influenced by the media.

We decided that our next show would be about this. So we presented the idea of producing a piece of theatre around the idea of teenagers to our youth theatre. What are the stereotypes? What are the pressures? What are the ways of copying? Have you had your first kiss?! From these ideas the cast devised a performance which was a joy to be a part of and a joy to watch.

We were blown away with the cast’s honesty and integrity. There was an overwhelming feeling as we left the show that as we grow up our hopes, fears and dreams don’t really change. The fear of never finding love, being rejected, being alone, death, not having enough money are ones that many of us experience way past our teenage years. There was comfort in listening to dreams that the group had and the things that they have passions for.

These young people have been pigeon holed and stereotyped. But there’s a lot more to them then hoodies and swearing, there’s a depth and an energy. A passion for their friendships, family and world that is inspiring.