Drama for Young People Tackling Gun & Knife Culture opens in London

Drama for young people, by young people tackling gun and knife culture opens in London 28 July

A thought-provoking drama going on a national tour this summer will tackle the spate of knife and gun killings that has plagued youth culture and community at large. The two hour long drama Life on the Stairs put together by London-based FAITH Drama Productions, headed up 25-year-old Gbemisola Ikumelo, uses drama with hip hop, grime and dance to try to keep young people away from a life of crime.

The organisers hope the play will highlight the importance of positive living and speak to young people about the negative effect of gang war, gun/knife crimes and revenge killings.

Last year, the play written by Gbemisola Ikumelo, a 2003 Carlton Hobbs Award winner, debuted at the Stratford Rex in London to rave reviews. Around 1,000 people turned up over five days to watch the gritty, uncompromising and often hilarious drama. Among the guests were celebrities Antonia Okonma of ITV’s Bad Girls, Josephine Melville of Casualty fame and Chandra Ruegg from the ex-Channel 5 drama Family Affairs.

This year, the play has been revised and will go on its first national tour focusing on the cities of London and Birmingham. More than 35 young people will form the cast and crew of the play. In London, Life on the Stairs will show on July 28 at People Show Studios, Pollard Road, London E2 6NB at 2pm and 7pm. The afternoon show is followed by a post-show discussion. And in Birmingham, Life on the Stairs will show for eight days from 3 to 11 August at the Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AE.

Many of the young actors appearing in the play come from disadvantaged backgrounds – some have faced poverty, homelessness and even had a first hand experience of criminal gang culture. For these young adults, being involved in the play has given them the opportunity to turn a new leaf.

“I used to be involved with a gang,” states 18-year-old Michelle*, “but joining this (FAITH Drama Productions) has given me the chance to hang out with different peeps and gain self-confidence and better acting skills.”

19-year-old Chantelle from Birmingham adds, “Our roads today are getting worse. You never know when another life may go. Young men are being killed like it's a joke. When I found out someone I knew, Meshack Tesfa Bernard- Brown had been shot last year and Odwayne Anthony Barnes just been stabbed a few months ago, I was upset as these are our talented young men, which is why FAITH Drama Productions is such an important organisation as they are allowing teens to realise that they have been blessed with talents to go out and help other people."

Throughout the year FAITH trains volunteers through weekly drama workshops resulting in a showcase of their newly learned abilities on Life on the Stairs. Gbemisola Ikumelo explains, “We believe the story and issues raised in this play is very relevant to young people. We hope to rally the youngsters to speak out against gun crime and gang violence."

FAITH has also launched a three minute online video campaign to generate support for Life on the Stairs. The campaign aims to get a minimum of 1,000 people pledging a pound to support the drama. More info about FAITH Drama Productions at www.faithdrama.org.uk or by phoning +44 (0)7958 172 398

Tickets to the show costs just £5. For the Birmingham show, call the Crescent Theatre box office on 0121 643 5858 or visit www.crescent-theatre.co.uk/Y2007/life_on_the_stairs.html

To book tickets for the London show, contact 07958 172 398