YOUNG actors are using theatre to address mental health issues in a new play previewed at an Oxford school.
The Oxford Youth Theatre Company, based at Pegasus Theatre, Magdalen Road, performed The Listeners for pupils at Oxford Academy yesterday with a follow-up workshop.
The story is written by Mojisola Adebayo in collaboration with Oxford Samaritans and tells the story of a youngster trapped in a post-apocalyptic world with the internet as the only link to the outside world.
Zoe Goriely MacDonald, 15, from East Oxford, plays the role of the listener ordered from a support website to keep the main character, Magz, company.
She said: “It is a really exciting show because we get to perform to lots of different audiences. The show teaches you to be more respectful of other people.”
The Listeners will tour more schools before a run at Pegasus, where it will be performed from Wednesday, March 28, to Saturday, March 31.
Molly Chandler and Abigail Clapton, from left, are pictured watching Zoe Goriely MacDonald and Troy Marshall of Oxford Youth Theatre act out a scene at Oxford Academy.
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