AustLit

Penelope is a 17 year old girl who feels as if she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Every day she travels to and from school on the train. It is the only time she has to herself; before the responsibility of being a mother figure to her younger sister, and housekeeper for her father takes hold of her. She listens to her iPod and the playlist becomes a soundtrack to imaginative episodes as she moves in and out of her own subconscious. In this place, Penelope meets an assortment of characters that represent the many roles she has to play in life; her rational and irrational self.

Penelope's journey through this story is about coming to terms with responsibility, and making the tough decisions we all have in life.

[Source: Headspace program]

'A fast paced episode based story revolving around a group of friends in year 12 on the verge of finishing school and dealing with the minefield of the future and their relationships after school. William is in love with Rosy but seriously wonders if it worth risking a broken heart while he sees his friends' relationships fall apart. At the beginning of the show he asks the question; "So why is it we're not taken seriously? Young love is often trivialised by adults, but surely our emotions are just as valid as theirs. Love is consuming; relentless; it can keep us smiling for days, and it can leave us awake at night wondering hopelessly adrift in our own insecurities - does she, really love me?'

Source: "Advanced Screening 2010" Markwell Presents (Sighted 02/07/2010).

'This is a story about a father and son who never said they love each other. Sam is 14 and is facing the prospect of living alone with an uncommunicative father as his mother has just passed away. On the day of the funeral he runs away pursued by his best friend Morgan who helps Sam wrestle with truth, trust and the courage to face the future.'

Source: 'Rocks in My Head' Theatre Australia: Your Portal for Australian Theatre - online (Sighted 12/01/2009).

'An integration of live theatre with digital projections that reveals a real and frightening glimpse into the mind of a psychopath. Witness Cliff and Virginia's fear as they stumble across a forgotten town and indulge Sid in his vicious game of survival' (Metro Arts E News 12 March 2008).

This drama examines the complexity of teenage relationships in a confronting and realistic manner and focuses on the lives of 8 year 12 students nearing the end of their education and coming to terms with the reality of their relationships: as couples and as friends. Personal isolation, heart-break and peer support are prominent themes.