School Drama

Write what you know is a useful tip for aspiring playwrights but it's helpful if what you know is something as topical and challenging as teaching teenagers in north London state schools. Vivienne Franzmann, a 39 year old Walthamstow teacher has written a play about a teacher at an inner London school accused of racism after she is assaulted by some of her pupils. Mogadishu is due to premiere next year and the play is less about racism than the way events can turn unexpectedly, and the consequences of your reactions. It's also a comment on how bureaucracy is stifling common sense and turning schools into battle grounds based on fear and suspicion - which is a recurring theme, in life and art. Franzmann insists the play does not rail against the checks and procedures schools have in place against inappropriate or offensive behaviour but it sounds like there is criticism of how instinct and experience is overlooked for correctness and protocol. Look out for Mogadishu in the Lyric Hammersmith programme next year. Image by Matt From London, with permission