Hectic explores issues such as self-identity, self-esteem, dealing with difficult feelings, building positive relationships and goal setting. It combines an engaging performance about the lives of two young people with interactive workshop sections exploring the issues faced by each character.

Liam is a persistent young offender. Through his story, the audience is encouraged to examine how boredom, peer influence, educational under achievement and reputation affect the decisions he makes about offending. Throughout the session the group are invited to consider realistic goals for Liam, as well as identifying obstacles which might be in the way.

During a performance of Hectic the group are encouraged to interact with the characters and to discuss the issues which arise from the drama. Geese Theatre is well known for its use of mask, and the characters in Hectic make use of this metaphor, where the front presented to the outside world conceals more complex emotions underneath.

Who is Hectic for?

Hectic has been created for groups of between 6 and 12 young people aged 13 - 17 who are engaged in exploring their own behaviour. It is suitable for a range of young people involved in offending, from early intervention and excluded pupil groups up to and including those in ISSP or their first custodial sentence.

"Students were fully engaged in the performance and participated well. They could easily relate to the characters. Both the masks and the use of language were very effective."

Amy Haynes - Teacher - Oakdale Pupil Referral Unit