Masking by Nina Lemon
“It’s not really surprising that our generation would be struggling.
It’s a sane response to an insane world.”
When the school’s lockdown alarm sounds everyone assumes it’s a drill. But soon a group of year 9 students find themselves stuck in a geography classroom with only Deputy Head Prefect Jamie to keep them under control. It becomes clear that the school is in lockdown because of an ‘incident with a pupil.’ While the group speculates as to the identity of the student and the nature of the ‘incident’ it slowly emerges that, although no one’s talking about it, the students are all grappling with mental health issues of their own.
Nina Lemon’s insightful play sensitively explores the challenges faced by a group of school kids as they cope with a high-stakes school system in a world that’s piling on the pressure.
Masking is an original play created with and for youth arts charity Peer Productions.
“Moving and unflinching- Masking not only reflects the realities of today’s classrooms but celebrates the voices of those within them.”
– Katy Secombe (actor, director, drama coach)
MASKING CASTING:
7 actors of equal weight (3 identifying as female, 2 as male and 2 of any gender – playing 13-17 years)
MASKING RUNNING TIME:
60-75 minutes
MASKING DRAMA TEACHERS’ PACK:
A free copy of the Masking guide for drama teachers has been created by Peer Productions that includes:
- Introduction
- About The Writer and Company
- Trigger Warnings
- Reading The Play
- Character Work
- Monologues
- Group Scenes
- Ensemble Building
- Live Theatre Review
- Actors Interview
- Writers Interview
- Movement Directors Interview
Available to download here
MASKING PSHE TEACHERS’ PACK:
A free copy of the Masking guide for PSHE teachers has been created by Peer Productions that includes:
- Play Information
- Peer Productions
- Note from Playwright and Director
- Supporting Your Students
- Characters
- Lesson 1 – Jamie’s Story: Exam Stress and Anxiety
- Lesson 2 – Holly’s Story: Social Media
- Lesson 3 – Alex’s Story: LGTBQIA+
- Lesson 4 – Rosie’s Story: Managing Eco Anxiety
- Lesson 5 – Nadia’s Story: Past Trauma.
- Lesson 6 – Billy’s Story: Neurodivergence
- Lesson 7 – Dom’s Story: Mental Health Crisis
- Condensed 1 Hour Lesson
- Lesson Resources and Further Reading
Available to download here
Schools/colleges must seek AQA approval of their play choices
by submitting a Play Approval Form directly to their
allocated AQA GCSE NEA (non-exam assessment) adviser.
Hear more from Nina Lemon in Drama Matters Magazine Issue Two