A play written and performed by a group of performing arts students has been described as ‘mesmerising’ by a local RSO.
The play, ‘Don’t hurt the one you love’, was developed as part of the annual For my girlfriend young driver campaign and first performed in Cambridge during Valentine’s week.
Written and directed by Sarah Borley in collaboration with Cambridgeshire’s road safety team, the play tells the story of a fatal car accident involving a young male driver who kills his girlfriend. It showcases the wider effects of a road traffic accident and the emotional consequences of losing a loved one.
The performance is a fast-paced fusion of fact and fiction, music, physical theatre, audience participation, projections and real life accounts from guest speakers.
Phil Rennie, Cambridgeshire County Council road safety publicity officer, said: “I was mesmerised, it was an amazing play of such a high standard.
“More girls die as passengers in cars than males – it is difficult to get young guys to consider their own safety but they do tend to listen when they realize they could kill their girlfriend.”
The year 2 Performing Arts students embraced the project. Cara Wood, who played the role of the girlfriend, said: “Working on this project has been a really good experience and I am now much more aware of road safety and how many accidents can be avoided.”
To gauge how effective the message had been and to ensure it was an all encompassing experience, the audience was able to discuss the issues raised with the cast and road safety professionals via workshops and taking part in recorded interviews after the event.
The next step is for the play to tour other schools and colleges in Cambridgeshire to spread the road safety message.
For more information contact Phil Rennie.
For more information about the For my girlfriend campaign visit: www.fmg.org.uk.
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