Following the success of ‘Justice in a Day’ and ‘Connor’s Time’ which spotlighted vital issues in crime and justice for secondary school students, Theatr Clwyd, with the support of the ScottishPower Foundation, brings a new show about cyber bullying into thirteen junior schools in Flintshire and Gwynedd in June.
The new ‘Junior Justice’ project has been developed by Theatr Clwyd, with the assistance and advice of PACT (Police and Community Trust) and Schools’ Liaison Officers from North Wales Police, to introduce Year 6 pupils, aged 10 and 11, to how the justice system works and tackle vital issues concerning the increase in cyber bullying of primary-age children.
Professional actors perform a short play about Dominic, a ten year old who is being bullied online to do things against his will. The bully knows details about him and his family that he doesn’t want to be known to his friends and classmates and is using this information to blackmail and intimidate the boy. The play explores the issues arising from this and seeks to provide clear directions as to what a child should do in such a threatening and distressing situation.
The play is devised and directed by Emyr John, Theatr Clwyd’s Creative Engagement Associate who said: “We hope through this project to educate young people from an early age about our legal system. To explain what laws are and how we use them, but also to show how they can impact our everyday lives. Then, from this starting point, we have a good opportunity to teach our young people, who at the age of 10 are legally liable for their behaviour, how to conduct their online lives responsibly.”
The drama is acted by professional actor James Ifan and presented in an interactive format, with classroom discussion as the story unfolds of the decisions and questions which the character ‘Dominic’ must resolve.
Ann McKechin, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation commented: “We are delighted to fund the innovative project -Junior Justice in a Day, which this month is engaging with pupils in North Wales for the first time, providing a positive impact on the lives of the young people.”
For further information please contact Anthony Timothy, Press Office, Theatr Clwyd on 01352 701569. anthony.timothy@theatrclwyd.com