It's the end of the world as we know it (And we feel fine!)
By Neil Flynn
Age range
16 +
Cast size
Under 10, 10 – 15, 15 +
Approx. running time
60 – 90 mins
Gender breakdown
Cast Size: 9-20
Also: With 2 specified exceptions all parts are gender blind.
Also: With 2 specified exceptions all parts are gender blind.
Setting
Current day. Reformatory Education Institute.
Note
A contemporary drama set in a dystopian present for a medium to large sized group.
First performance
Free Radicals Youth Theatre, Siamsa Tíre, Tralee, April 2018.
Synopsis
At an institution known as Advanced Reformatory System Education, (A.R.S.E), the inmates are known only by their numbers.
A cast of, maverick, prodigious single-minded teenagers who society has deemed in need of radical re-education under the tutelage of so-called ‘Masters’ – awake to the day when they will face a mandatory ‘P Test’ short for Personality test.
The outcome of this test will determine the fate of these inmates with those who ‘fail’ facing potentially life-altering consequences. In the air, talk of a rebellion is being whispered as it’s now or never for the inmates of A.R.S.E to reclaim control of their destiny whatever the cost.
It’s the end of the world as we know it (And we feel fine!) is a fast-paced drama about what it means to be an individual, the pressure to conform, and the lengths a unique group of young people are prepared to go to liberate themselves.
The play is almost entirely gender blind. Scenes are written without character names leaving open the possibility of a medium or large cast and for the performers to discover scenes anew.
With intense scenes, this piece offers an exciting challenge for an established group and an experienced director.
A cast of, maverick, prodigious single-minded teenagers who society has deemed in need of radical re-education under the tutelage of so-called ‘Masters’ – awake to the day when they will face a mandatory ‘P Test’ short for Personality test.
The outcome of this test will determine the fate of these inmates with those who ‘fail’ facing potentially life-altering consequences. In the air, talk of a rebellion is being whispered as it’s now or never for the inmates of A.R.S.E to reclaim control of their destiny whatever the cost.
It’s the end of the world as we know it (And we feel fine!) is a fast-paced drama about what it means to be an individual, the pressure to conform, and the lengths a unique group of young people are prepared to go to liberate themselves.
The play is almost entirely gender blind. Scenes are written without character names leaving open the possibility of a medium or large cast and for the performers to discover scenes anew.
With intense scenes, this piece offers an exciting challenge for an established group and an experienced director.