Spotlight on dark subject
Fi f ty Rutherglen and Cambuslang teenagers took part in a pioneering antibigotry event.
‘Scarfed for Life’ is a hard-hitting play based on young people’s experiences of discrimination and prejudice.
It was performed for pupils from Stonelaw and Trinity at Rutherglen West and Wardlawhill Church on March 10.
After watching the play, written by Martin Travers from the Citizens Theatre Glasgow, the 15 and 16 year olds took part in workshops put together by the ‘In Wi’ The Mix Project’ and the Citizens Theatre Glasgow and funded by the Scottish Government.
Actors performed key scenes from the play again and the pupils discussed the themes that had been raised, as well as what they would do differently to change the ending.
The play tells the story of two teenage friends caught in the crossfire of suburban prejudice.
The church had offered to host the event and helped put it together.
Session clerk Ian Duncan was delighted with the way things went.
He said: “The young people were able to learn about how ridiculous sectarianism is.
“Afterwards many of the teachers had come to us to say how well the day had gone and if we were ever running anything like that again they would want to be involved.
“There was discussion over the use of certain words and, while some of the pupils viewed it as banter, the majority recognised them as derogatory terms.
“The pupils responded to it. The day was a great success.”
John Ithell from In Wi’ the Mix said the project is in its third year.
This year it will also visit Castlemilk, the Gorbals, Coatbridge and Airdrie, performing in the day for secondary pupils and in the evening for the communities as a whole.
He said: “It was a great day. The pupils were a fantastic audience.
“There was a lot of interaction and I know the actors really enjoyed it.”