In our increasingly digital world, it can be easy to overlook the negative consequences associated with the rise of social media and online interactions. Last week, this important issue was brought to life by a group of Year 11s, who produced and performed Enda Walsh’s ‘Chatroom’ in front of their fellow students and teachers.
Telling the story of six 15-year-olds communicating online, the play explores themes of depression and suicide, but ultimately concludes on a hopeful and uplifting note. The performances delivered by all six students were outstanding, and were perfectly complimented by expertly nuanced sound and lighting.
Following the performance, we caught up with Isabel (who played William) to get her thoughts on the play itself, as well as the arts and theatre more broadly:
“With so many extra-curricular activities cancelled due to Covid, we were so lucky to be able to perform Chatroom. It was made even more special for us by the lockdown and the lack of other things to keep us occupied. Outside school, Covid has been eating into funding for the arts; theatres have been closing, and performances have either been postponed or cancelled. It has become increasingly difficult for professional actors to keep their work alive. At OHS, we are lucky enough to be able to keep our dramatic juices flowing!
The content of this play was shocking, but not without reason. As technology becomes more advanced, the pressures of social media increase; Jim was right in talking about the thousands of teenagers who are genuinely very ill as a result. We all knew this, and really wanted to commit to the importance of the message we were broadcasting.”
Our congratulations go to Isabel, Naomi, Leda, Georgia, Olivia, Bella, Lucy and Charlotte.
