Play

I went for a short play in the local theatre the other day and was quite surprised with the style of delivery. It was unique as the play lasted around 40 minutes, but dragged on for another 40 minutes as the actors engaged with the audience about the topic of the rise of gangs and knife related crimes in London.

What I found particularly interesting was the maturity these actors had knowing that all 6 of these girls who engaged with the audience in this mini forum were around the age of 16 to 20 only.

At some point, one of the audience (a parent, I assume) actually had a potentially difficult question for the actors. However, one of them actually stood up and reminded the audience that all of their views are theirs alone (and is not the absolute and each case should be viewed differently) and being a parent asking these questions - they really should be the ones who know how their children are.

One of the very good analogies that is stuck in my head was how a parent should be more like a football supporter rather than a football fan. Her definition of 'fan' was what the British supporters see as the Asian fans - that we do not go to each match every week like a true 'supporter'; travelling with the team as they play and sing the songs - spurring the teams on.

And this is what they see parents role should really be more similar to that of a supporter, staying with their teams (children) through thick or thin, rain or shine; rather than that of a fan - following the team (children) only when the time and day is convenient, more often than not - especially ONLY when the team is winning.

This is a very good example which really got me thinking - "damn, we should all attend more plays!"