OVERVIEW

• Playwright

  Gary Mitchell 

• Notes

  This play was written for 11-14 year olds and explores bullying in and beyond the playground.

• Synopsis

  Addressing the issue in a Northern Ireland context, Sinking looks at bullying in all age groups, not just in the school playground, and challenges the audience to define what they mean when they say 'bully'. Sam picks on little kids at school while he is picked on himself at home where he believes nobody really cares about him. When he hides in the park he is targeted by older lads, who bully him into being their police lookout as they rob houses. Once the UDA discover this, they seek out Sam for information so that justice can be done in the community. The police do likewise, having words with Sam about his new 'friends'. All of them tell Sam their interest in him is for his own good. So why is he sitting scared, alone, in the shadows?

• Play Type

  Theatre for Young Audiences
  

  Number Of Acts

  Full-Length

Cast size

• Male

  10

• Female

  4

• Total

  14

• Cast Notes

  Cast-doubling is possible. See original production for details.

Original Production

• Date of First Production

  25 September 1997

• Producer

  Produced by Replay Theatre Company

• Venue Notes

  This play was first performed at the Belfast Royal Academy, as part of a tour to schools and venues.

Source Of Information

The information for this entry was taken from the original production programme. Additional information was supplied by Replay Productions from information contained in the company files.