Walsall College Performing Arts students will be showcasing their talents to the public when they perform a National Theatre play entitled ‘FOMO’ in The Venue, the college’s unique theatre space. ‘FOMO’ is one of 10 brand new plays written especially for National Theatre’s youth festival, Connections, by a selection of the best playwriting talent in the UK.
Level 3 students will perform the play written by Suhayla El-Bushra on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th March at 7pm. ‘FOMO’ follows the story of Dani and Josh, the perfect high school couple. Their friends look on in envy as their love story unfolds on social media. But when the government switches off the internet for reasons of national security, the truth of their relationship is revealed. Told almost entirely through tweets, texts and status updates, ‘FOMO’ takes a light, humorous look at the futility of comparing your own life to someone else's Instagram feed.
National Theatre Connections is one of the world’s largest celebrations of youth theatre. Plays are commissioned for and about young people and performed by schools, colleges and youth theatres all over the UK and Ireland. Connections is supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber foundation and by a number of individuals, trusts and foundations.
National Theatre Connections has selected up to 260 youth theatres and schools to stage the 10 newly commissioned plays.
Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre, said: “Connections is at the heart of the National Theatre’s work for young people and one of the most exciting and important projects we do. We think it’s vital that young people, wherever they are in the country and whatever their future path, have a chance to get involved in theatre.”
This play will then transfer to Warwick Arts Centre to be performed alongside other Midlands schools and colleges in April. Students will also have the opportunity to watch all the other plays.
Performing Arts Lecturer at Walsall College and show director, Paul Evans, said: “Being part of a national theatre project is a great opportunity for students to increase their experience of performing for an audience.
“It’s also a brilliant script which many of the students can really relate to. We would encourage the public to come and watch and support young local talent.”