News & Events - General

 Boy X, a powerful new performance piece and workshop programme focused on knife and violent crime and its impact on individuals, families and communities was  performed in the College’s ACT Theatre on Wednesday 12 May. Both the play’s writer, Clifford Oliver, and Arc Theatre’s patron, Neville Lawrence OBE, father of Stephen Lawrence, attended.

The focus of the hard-hitting play was the very real and painful impact of the brutal murder of 16-year old Zane. Through the developing story, the piece explored the power and influence of those involved in or at the fringes of crime in encouraging involvement from younger children and teenagers in initially low-level activity. It examined the ease with which some young people are exploited and the fine line some find themselves treading. The play explored the power of belonging and misplaced allegiance with the potential consequences played out in front of them.

College Principal Peter Mayhew-Smith said: “Safeguarding our students is at the top of our agenda. Staying safe is an ongoing problem for young people today and we are trying to ensure they are equipped with the right tools to deal with all the challenges they face living in London. I am delighted with the response our students have shown to this event and we are looking to incorporate it into our safeguarding plan next year."

Boy X is the third in the acclaimed Stereo Trilogy by Clifford Oliver, following Stereo and To Die For. It was developed through workshops with a group of young professional actors who themselves have direct experience of living on gang dominated estates and have been touched personally by the impact of knife crime. The play powerfully explores the pressures and influences on young people to get involved. Whilst there may be no easy solutions for knife crime and gang violence, Boy X is a story of hope, personal responsibility, imagination and the power to change.

Kingston Borough Commander of Kingston Police Chief Superintendent Martin Greenslade and Director of Kingston Race and Equalities Council (KREC) John Azah OBE saw Boy X at the launch of the Metropolitan Police Equality and Diversity Strategy. The play had a great impact and they decided to seek funding and support to bring it to Kingston, in order to help learn lessons and change behaviour.

John Azah explained: “Live drama has a unique ability to engage young people at a personal and emotional level, offering them an insight into experience through the eyes of immediately identifiable characters.”

The Rt Hon the Baroness Scotland QC endorsed Arc’s work and commented: “Your drama, your theatre, is theatre for change. Boy X holds a mirror up to us and shines a light, making us see ourselves and the need for change. It shakes our complacency and moves our hearts. What could be more valuable than that? It is truly inspirational work, coming from the community and working directly with the community. It sets up the meaningful dialogue we desperately need if yet more young people are not lost to us.”

Kingston College is committed to the safety of it students and run regular Safety Awareness workshops and events throughout the academic year.