Breaking the Chain is a hard-hitting applied theatre production that aims to raise awareness, kick-start conversations and build resilience around youth violence – with a focus on knife crime – as part of a public health approach to tackling the issue – an issue that is seeing young people seriously hurt and, all too often, killed on the streets of our towns and cities.
Recently out of prison and trying to turn his life around, Tyler is worried about his younger brother Zeke and his friend Danny. Zeke and Danny have started carrying knives and Tyler is desperate to ensure that they don’t make the same mistakes that he’s made in the past. The play follows them over the course of one day as the tensions are mounting and Tyler must intervene to avoid a tragedy and try to talk them all into breaking the chain.
The play and post-show talk lasts for 55 minutes and aims to raise awareness around:-
The risks and consequences of youth violence and knife crime on the individual, on their friends, families, and on the wider community
The influences, fears and pressures that can lead to the decision to hurt someone or to carry a knife, and how these can be managed or avoided
The core skills that can be used help young people to navigate a whole host of issues and critical life moments that they may encounter
The importance of seeking help and advice, or telling someone if you are concerned about yourself, a friend or someone you know.
Where to go for help and advice
Suitable for:-
Schools : Year 7 upwards
Training and conference events : Police and professionals who work with young people