Haslingden students star in contemporary drama Pronoun

STUDENTS from Haslingden High School were part of a contemporary production performed by the Youth Group at Summerseat Players entitled Pronoun.

The Evan Placey drama, discusses the terms people choose to refer to themselves that reflect their gender identity – whether he/him, she/her or gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them.

Year 11 student Ralph Botham played Josh while Sixth Form student Ari Beck-Jones, played a doctor and member of the student management team.

The play was staged in the rehearsal theatre, so in the round, and was on for nine nights

Ari, 17, said: “This is story is of Dean who is transitioning from a girl and the play is about how people react and how it impacts relationships: his parents, friends and boyfriend.

“The aim of the play was to inform and to give everyone a different perspective on the struggles of being trans.”

Ari, who gained a 9 in GCSE drama, said: “I want to keep acting as a hobby. I gained some confidence and a lot of enjoyment out of being in the production and liked how everyone worked together, but I don’t think I want a career in drama or the arts.”

Ralph has previously played a role in the hard-hitting drama DNA staged by Summerseat Players Youth Group in April.