Masking

'It's not really surprising that our generation would be struggling. It's a sane response to an insane world.'When the school s lockdown alarm sounds everyone assumes it s a drill. But soon a group of year 9 students find themselves stuck in a geography classroom with only Deputy Head Prefect Jamie to keep them under control. It becomes clear that the school is in lockdown because of an incident with a pupil. While the group speculates as to the identity of the student and the nature of the incident it slowly emerges that, although no one s talking about it, the students are all grappling with mental health issues of their own.Nina Lemon s insightful play sensitively explores the challenges faced by a group of school kids as they cope witha high-stakes school system in a world that s piling on the pressure.Masking is an original play created with and for youth arts charity Peer Productions.'Moving and unflinching- Masking not only reflects the realities of today s classrooms but celebrates the voices of those within them.' - Katy Secombe (actor, director, drama coach)CASTING: 7 actors of equal weight (3 identifying as female, 2 as male and 2 of any gender - playing 13-17 years)RUNNING TIME: 60-75 minutes