The Big Society
'The Big Society' was written in 2016 as a response to David Cameron's societal concept that duly failed and was rejected as an 'instrument of government policy'. As a teacher I noted that young people had the empathy to help one another but that empathy tends to fade as they grow into adulthood and have to fight for themselves.
Self indulgently, I have used the music of Terry Hall from his time in The Specials (my favourite band ever), Fun Boy Three and The Colourfield. The music grows up with the characters.
This is a real 'teenage piece' that once again has diversity at the heart of it. Topics explored are: drugs, teenage pregnancy, homophobia and love. It should not be taken too seriously. When I first directed the piece we performed 'in-the-round' and developed a very stylised approach. The troupe chose to add an age limit because of the content and use of language.
Cast: 12 (with multi-roling)
Extract: PROLOGUE
Chorus
Darkness creeps into cracks and corners of the street where feet tap a dreary beat homewards marking the end of a predictably tedious day.
Doors close; blinds shut and eyes are drawn to the box that is wallpapered across one end of the room. Gradually the mind numbs, lulled into calm believing no harm can come to those cocooned in their domestic bubble. As aged lights go out, shadows peel back the cloying cosiness that attempts to hold them fast; push boundaries and rage at the moon, the only mother they need tonight.
Their shrieks reach the ears of those asleep in their beds; heads twitch; eyes flicker and lips gently mouth a nightly mantra: my kids are good.
(The shadows laugh and jump around the stage enjoying the freedom)
Song: Do Nothing
Each day I walk along this lonely street
Trying to find, find a future
New pair of shoes are on my feet
Cos' fashion is my only culture
Nothing ever change, oh no...
Nothing ever change
People say to me just be yourself
It makes no sense to follow fashion
How could I be anybody else
I don't try, I've got no reason
Nothing ever change, oh no...
Nothing ever change
I'm just living in a life without meaning
I walk and walk, do nothing
I'm just living in a life without feeling
I talk and talk, say nothing
Nothing ever change, oh no...
Nothing ever change
I walk along this same old lonely street
Still trying to find, find a reason
Policeman comes and smacks me in the teeth
I don't complain, it's not my function
Nothing ever change, oh no...
Nothing ever change
They're just living in a life without meaning
I walk and walk, do nothing
They're just playing in a life without thinking
They talk and talk, say nothing
I'm just living in a life without feeling
I walk and walk, I'm dreaming
I'm just living in a life without feeling
I talk and talk, say nothing
I'm just living in a life without meaning
I walk and walk, do nothing
Chorus
And now each to their own,free from the home that they reject but will learn to yearn for.
Jack
Tonight I am king of my own backyard; I rule the streets and parks that are mapped beneath my feet. All business is my business. Hidden by a mask of dark I have eyes that see all and sticky fingers to stick into a variety of pies
Rudy
(Shouted) Yo! Jack!
Sadie
King of cool, has it all!
But not me. Once I had a life I called my own. I laughed, danced and honed the skills that I would need to succeed in a man's world.
Chorus
Nice arse!
Sadie
Tick!
Chorus
Big tits!
Sadie
Tick!
Chorus
Pretty vacant/ face
Sadie
Tick!
Chorus
No ambition
Sadie
Tick! The list goes on and on; so glad I have a son, teenage mum...a 21st century statistic.
Rudy
Sad init but I can make you happy. I have pandora's pockets, a bag of tricks that I can mix into a
cocktail of life...or death. Whatever takes your fancy…
Chorus
You're sick!
(Creating a variety of 'sick' poses)
Rudy
Sick off scrabbling for a living. Now I wear the clothes -
Chorus
Sharp!
Rudy
The bling!...and sing to my own tune. If you need it (pats pockets) I've got it, so smile sexy/Sadie.
Sadie
Fuck off, Rudy.
(Sadie leaves the stage)
Rudy
(Sucking in air through teeth) Salty!
Chorus
Burned!
Tia
I wanted to be Sadie, still do. Even as a babe in arms, with babe in arms, she has the power to shower all with bitchy sass; a shake of the ass and she is gone -
charred psyches smoke in her wake. It's an art that rips through the heart and one I
can only dream of; not having the bounteous boobs and booty wrapped up with colourful beauty essential to the craft.
Rudy
Tia, what's your poison?
Tia
Skint, Rudy.
Rudy
On the tab.
Tia
Not pissing likely
Rudy
For a friend.
Tia
That will end in tears.
Chorus
Gradually the banal banter slouches,
bounces and kicks itself along a pot-holed
road to anywhere
other than the here and now.
(The stage empties amid much noise and laughter)