A collection of three plays for young actors written by Mark Ravenhill: Citizenship; Scenes from a Family Life and Totally Over You; and including an introduction by the author.Originally commissioned as part of the National Theatre Connections programme; these three plays were specifically written for teenagers and are ideal for young performers aged 13-25 years old. Written with greater warmth and humanity than you might expect from the author of such controversial works as Shopping and F***ing; Ravenhills plays for teenagers are compassionate; intelligent and not at all patronising. With themes of particular interest to teenagers; the plays explore the search for identity during the transition to adulthood: self-perception; relationships; sexual identity and obsession with fame.Citizenship is a bittersweet comedy about growing up; following a boys frank and messy search to discover his sexual identity: schoolboy Tom dreams of being kissed; but is unsure whether it is by a man or woman. Scenes from a Family Life is set in a world where everyone starts to dematerialise. Six months on and Jack and Stacy are the only boy and girl on the planet. For Jack its a dream; for Stacy a nightmare. And when the vanished start to return; Jack has to learn how complex adult relationships are. Totally Over You is an exploration of celebrity-obsession. Four girls break up with their boyfriends when they decide they only want to see celebrities. The boys decide to trick the girls into thinking that they are on the brink of fame and fortune as a boy band. The girls decide to win the boys back. But what will happen when they discover the truth?
#417013 in eBooks 2014-03-11 2014-03-11File Name: B00G1SD9Q2
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. culture shockBy HippietypA man from ancient China purposely travels through time (and accidentally travels through space) to modern-day Munich. Initally he assumes that the strange beasts we all know as cars have gained power over the human population. He is disgusted by the way the Germans; who he assumes are the distant relatives of the Chinese people of his society (since he is initially unaware of his change in location); look with their large; protruding noses and round eyes. He is astonished that they have forgotten how to speak the language of man. They just seem to make gruff noises. Lots of cultural and social differences are showcased in this book in a humorous manner. At one point his German friend explains to him why its unacceptable in German society to have two girlfriends. This is a very interesting and funny read which I highly recommend.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. SuprisedBy M. HarwellThe book arrived on time; in good shape. The plot worked better than I thought it might. Although originally written in German; it translated well in both terms of language and as a plot device. Although a bit forced (ancient Chinese technology managing time travel); the plot allows for a suprisingly effective outsiders evaluation of late 20th century Western life--with all of its warts. Written in such a manner as not to seem an affectation; the author successfully made me think of modern life outside the box. The only detraction is; or course; the clumsy and unexplained manner in which the main character is magically tranported in a linear fashion back and forth through time.15 of 16 people found the following review helpful. An almost philosophical reflection on modern life.By A CustomerThe story of a tenth-century Mandarin who travels through time to Germany in the 1980s; Rosendorfers book is told as a series of letters to a friend back home. At heart; this book is an attempt to examine the fundamental questions of how our lives are affected by progress. For the most part; it succeeds. This book is quite humorous; and a highly enjoyable reading experience. Recommened.