National Theatre’s Connections project Performance of Fresh Air at the Kiln Theatre

Our performance at the Kiln Theatre was part of the National Theatre’s Connections project, a prestigious initiative that connects young people across the country by performing new plays written by contemporary playwrights. A number of students ranging from year 8-10 took part and performed “Fresh Air” by Vickie Donoghue, a powerful play that explores the struggles of teenagers dealing with mental health, self-identity, and the pressures of growing up.

The characters face challenges like feeling misunderstood, coping with anxiety, and searching for a sense of belonging. The play highlights the importance of vulnerability, friendship, and finding space to grow, making it incredibly relevant to young people today.

Preparing for this performance was an incredible journey. We dedicated months to rehearsing every Monday and Friday, pouring our energy and creativity into bringing the characters and the story to life. The process was challenging, yet deeply rewarding, as we developed not only our acting skills but also our teamwork and resilience. The students did an outstanding job, showing great commitment and passion.

One of the most memorable moments was meeting the playwright herself, Vickie Donoghue, who shared her insights about the play and its meaning. This experience was truly inspiring and gave us a deeper connection to the story. Performing at the Kiln Theatre felt like the culmination of all our hard work, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our efforts pay off in such a powerful and emotional performance.