Railway safety play Off the Level, developed by Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre in partnership with Network Rail, will be performed at the International Level Crossing Awareness Day on Wednesday 3 June in Istanbul, Turkey.
Written and devised in Guildford and one of the education department's figurehead projects, Off the Level has been seen by over 5,000 schoolchildren since its launch in 2011 and has been seen at several seminars and conferences for railway and transport professionals across the UK.
Off the Level will be performed in Coventry on 11 and 12 June and will be showcased in Operation Look: a week of safety events staged by the British Transport Police from 22 to 27 June which will see Off the Level presented throughout the country, in towns such as Poole where instances of deliberate level crossing misuse are high.
Focusing on educational measures and the promotion of safe behaviour at and around level crossings, the international conference brings together more than 40 countries to participate in discussions about how to emphasise the importance of safety at level crossings.
Head of Youth, Education and Community Liaison, Nick White said, “we are thrilled to be invited to represent the UK at such a prestigious gathering. To be asked to showcase work from Guildford’s Theatre on an international stage is both a testament to the importance that theatre plays in education and real recognition of the quality of work we develop.”
Sandy Bell-Ashe from Network Rail explained, “we are always looking at innovative ways to raise awareness about how to stay safe at level crossings to young people. Working with the Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre has helped us reach thousands of children and get those important messages across to prevent injuries and save lives.
"We’re now working with the Theatre to develop Off The Level into a street performance suitable for all age groups.”