THE YARD

Following the success of Happy as Larry, Shaun Parker takes us into the dynamic of Sydney’s Western schools with his new performance show, The Yard.

The show draws inspiration from William Golding’s Lord of the Flies to provide an illustration of what it is like for teenagers in Sydney’s Western schools, incorporating the teenagers’ ideas to bring to light some of the difficulties, “in the mind of a young Australian”.

“All of these elements of human nature were there in the school yard. It was a microcosm of what the world is like.” The kids, Parker says, who range from 12 to 17 years old, all come from different backgrounds. Some haven’t been in Australia much longer than three or four years, exemplifying the cultural diversity of Sydney schools. “As soon as the bell rings” Parker says, “the game is on – it’s a struggle for survival”.

Travelling to different locations in Western Sydney two years ago, Parker was amazed to find so much, “raw talent.” Although none of the kids had received formal training, a lot of them would teach each other at school, on the streets, or learn from videos on YouTube. The performance, he adds, has also given a chance to talented kids who would otherwise not have received training, to develop their skills. Since then, the show, which is part of ‘Captivate’ initiative of the Diocese schools in Parramatta, has been built as a collective effort, incorporating practices and skills that represent a range of cultures and background.

“At 13-years-old they have often seen more and gone through more than most teenagers in inner city schools.” The stories draw from their own lives and experiences, “with an element of hope”, Parker says, “violence and anarchy is easy, but I was interested in turning that around.”

“I wanted to find the magic in them, particularly some with cultural backgrounds where they are meant to play tough.”

After performing a 15 minute version in 2009, and a 30 minute version in 2010, the group will now perform a full hour at the Seymore Centre this weekend, with plans to return next year.

May 26-28, Seymour Centre, cnr City Rd & Cleveland Sts, $20-25, 9351 7940, sydney.edu.au/seymour/

BY HENAR PERALES