by SimonStephens (Author)
'Everything human beings do finishes up bad in the end. Everything good human beings ever make is built on something monstrous. Nothing lasts. We certainly won't...' Based on his experience as a teacher, Stephens describes his play as 'The History Boys on crack'. It explores the underlying tensions and potential violence in a group of affluent, articulate seventeen year old students. Contemporary and unnerving, with elements of The Catcher in the Rye, Punk Rock follows the story of seven sixth-formers as they face up to the pressures of teenage life, while preparing for their mock A-level exams and trying to get into Oxbridge. They are a group of educated, intelligent and aspirational young people but step-by-step, the dislocation, disjunction and latent violence simmering under the surface of prosperity is revealed.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 112
Publisher: Methuen Drama
Published: 03 Sep 2009
ISBN 10: 1408126362
ISBN 13: 9781408126363
Book Overview: The publication will coincide with the world premiere, with the production running at the Lyric Hammersmith (3-26 Sept) and then the Royal Exchange, Manchester (7-31 Oct). Both theatres will be taking copies to sell to audiences. Newly appointed writer-in-residence at the Lyric Hammersmith, Simon Stephens is an award-winning playwright, whose former work includes Harper Regan at the National Theatre (2008). Similar to The History Boys but with added edge, danger and violence, Punk Rock will garner controversial attention and, featuring an ensemble cast of teenagers, is perfect for students to perform and study.