Positive Stories for Negative Times creates free plays for young people

Positive Stories for Negative Times, the excellent initiative by Glasgow-based theatre company Wonder Fools, is back for its fifth season. It's a forward-thinking participatory programme that sees some of the most exciting voices in contemporary theatre invited to create work specifically for young people. These mint-fresh plays are then given for free as creative resources for teachers, youth theatres and community organisers working with young people ages 6 to 25 to create their own productions.

“We’re absolutely buzzing to be back for a fifth season of Positive Stories for Negative Times,” says Wonder Fools' co-founder Robbie Gordon. “We still can’t quite believe the scale of what it has become. What began as a conversation with young people about what the future of youth theatre could look like beyond COVID, and as an idea we hoped might reach hundreds, has now engaged more than 10,000 participants around the world. Seeing some of the most exciting artists working in the UK and beyond co-creating with young people and communities has been really special. It’s been a real honour to help shape and grow this project alongside our Youth Board.”

This year's Positive Stories for Negative Times writers

Wonder Fools have commissioned work from some incredible theatre-makers over the years. Previous contributors to the Positive Stories for Negative Times project include a wide range of writers like Bryony Kimmings, Chris Thorpe, Hannah Lavery, Sabrina Mahfouz and Stef Smith, and this year's list of theatre-makers is similarly stacked.

There’s a new piece from physical theatre absurdists Xhloe & Natasha, the New York-based duo who’ve become cult favourites at the Edinburgh Fringe thanks to shows like And Then the Rodeo Burned Down and What If They Ate The Baby? Johnny McKnight, the undisputed head dame of modern Scottish panto, is also providing a new play, as is comic star Greg McHugh, best known for Gary: Tank Commander, his sitcom about a hopeless army crew.

There’s also a work from Iranian writer, actor and director Maryam Hamidi, and Ned Glasier, the artistic director of London-based Company Three. The final play this season will come from a young writer who will be selected through a national call-out. We don’t know exactly what has been created yet, but Wonder Fools tell us to expect “a thrilling mix of archaeology, reimagined classics, ghosts, pirates and a bold exploration of teenage happiness” from this season’s cohort of writers.

As well as receiving the brand new plays from the above free of charge, the groups participating in this season of Positive Stories for Negative Times will also have access to practical resources and support to help bring the work to life.

How to get involved

There are two ways to take part in Positive Stories for Negative Times Season 5:

Route A is for groups in Scotland who want to work with Wonder Fools across the year towards one of the project’s Showcase Weekends. Groups rehearse and develop their chosen piece in their own setting, before having the chance to share their work live as part of a wider programme alongside other groups from across the country.

Route B is for groups looking for a more flexible way to be involved. They will still receive the plays, resources and support, and can take part from anywhere in the world in a way that suits their group and schedule.

If you work with a school, youth theatre, arts organisation or community group and wish to access the brand new writing from Positive Stories for Negative Times to create bold new theatre-making with and for young people, then look into signing up for season 5, which you can do at the link below.

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