Council and democracy

Youth speak out at theatre festival

They will be taking the play, "Shank", written by local playwright Richard Vincent, to the annual Big Youth Theatre Festival (BYTF) at Gillwell Park, Chingford, during the summer. 

Its premier, however, will be at CYTO's Shoestring Theatre in Oakley Road on Monday 14 July.

The play is about a school boy stabbed to death on a tram packed full of passengers and explores whether anyone is willing to speak up about what they have witnessed.

Artistic director Viv Berry said: "This is the third trip to BYTF for CYTO members, and this year the Croydon performers wanted to take a piece that is very relevant to the young people of Croydon and felt that this was the topic that affected their daily lives most."

The South Norwood-based performance group, supported by Croydon Council's youth service, is also looking for new recruits. Anyone aged 13 to 25 is welcome to join the group.

CYTO offers a wide variety of stimulating workshops in all types of theatre-based arts including street and contemporary dance, acting, singing, sound studio sessions and all kinds of technical theatre - from lighting and sound to stage management. There is also a summer scheme.

For more information about getting involved or for tickets to the premiere of "Shank" on Monday 14 July at 7.30pm or 8.45pm please contact Viv Berry on 020 8655 1098, email cytoshoestring@ukonline.co.uk or log onto www.cyto.org.uk.

Cabinet member for education, youth and lifelong learning, Councillor Maria Gatland, said: "CYTO is a fantastic organisation which offers relevant and stimulating activities for young people who are interested in theatre. All aspects of performance are covered including writing, directing, choreography, behind-the-scenes, and acting and dancing.

"I would encourage anyone who is interested to go along and try it out because you never know where it might lead."