Home Office and Department of Health research shows that drug use amongst young people continues to rise. Figures from their 2003 survey showed that 40% of 16 year olds have taken illegal drugs in the past year, 33% of 14 year olds and, frighteningly, 1 in 12 of all 12 year olds surveyed had taken illegal drugs in the past year.
A key objective of the ‘Every Child Matters’ Be Healthy outcome is to reduce drug use. The main objective of ‘Know Your Mind’ is to encourage young people not to start using drugs by exploring myths around drug use and informing them appropriately. Today more than ever, with access to illegal drugs being easier (by the age of 16, 42% of young people have been offered one or more illegal drug) and the pressure to take them greater, a young person’s awareness of the realities of drug use is essential to achieving these goals.
‘Know Your Mind’ looks at the physical, psychological and broader effects of many drugs including cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, crack, heroin and solvents. The abuse of alcohol is an increasing problem amongst young people and Chain Reaction address this issue by showing that the addictive nature of alcohol and the devastating effects of its abuse are as great as any illegal substance. The show offers clear, accurate information and balanced perspectives about drugs whilst also exploring skills in decision making. By encouraging young people to look at their own attitudes towards drug misuse, this show empowers them to make informed decisions about their own lives.
Taking the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a starting point, the company have devised an entertaining yet thought provoking piece of theatre. In the hour-long play we follow Charlie Bucket from East London who wins a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore DJ Groovemaker’s drug laboratory by finding one of the lucky golden flyers. As Charlie and her fellow winners (Mikalia Divvy, Josie Moral and Veruka Spoilt) travel through the lab, they discover facts about drugs in relation to history, culture, health, the media, peer pressure, attitudes and young people. The production is regularly updated and includes many modern references; look out for Ali G (Aiii!), the delightful Anne Robinson and “Dilla Dealer” alias Cilla Black!
This production is accompanied by a resource pack for teachers that contains ideas for lessons that can be undertaken in class in preparation for Chain Reaction’s visit, ideas for follow up work, age-appropriate information about individual drugs and contacts for further information and confidential advice. The pack is designed in line with the National Curriculum, Every Child Matters and the National Drug Strategy.
‘Know Your Mind’ has toured extensively and has been performed to over 50,000 young people in London and nationally,
Written and devised by Tracy O’Flaherty, Peter Tennant and the Chain Reaction Theatre Company. The development of ‘Know your mind’ was originally funded by Barking, Havering and Brentwood Healthcare and European drug prevention week.
