• Photo: Hannah Blakeston Lodge

  • Photo: Hannah Blakeston Lodge

  • Photo: Hannah Blakeston Lodge

  • Photo: Hannah Blakeston Lodge

VEX

A gripping drama about youth, dreams and darkness, Vex  mixes poetic hip-hop and text with echoes of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.

Inspired by writer Simon Parker’s experiences as a teacher, Vex  is set in the turbulent terrain of an inner city comprehensive, telling the story of one boy, one gun and a classroom full of dreams.

In making this participatory piece Simon Parker had the opportunity to collaborate with young people in Newham from St Bonaventure’s and St Angela’s Schools. The students created a visual narrative and, with help from sound artist Excalibah, devised a soundscape for the play. Prior to 2007 Simon worked with young adults as part of the BBC Blast tour.

Vex  was performed in November 2008 at the Half Moon Young People’s Theatre, and at the Hackney Empire in July 2009.

Press

  • I thought the play was enormously impressive and engaging... The music was great and the young people acted well.

    Audience member

  • ... I've worked with teens a lot and I think the play has a very positive representation of young people.

    Audience member

  • I thought it was really funny, sad and intense. I was laughing a lot at how real the characters were; as a student I can relate to the different characters in the classroom.

    Audience member