Milton Keynes College connects with Extremism

Published: 18 March 2017
Reporter: Steve Orme

Challenging stereotypes: the cast of Extremism

Ten performing arts students from Milton Keynes College will perform Anders Lustgarten’s play Extremism as part of National Theatre Connections—a nationwide celebration of new plays for young people.

Extremism, one of ten new plays written especially for Connections, takes place in any school in England where gossip and banter are rife, and extremism is the word on everyone's lips—but what does it mean in a modern Great Britain?

The play will be performed at Milton Keynes College from Tuesday 21 until Thursday 23 March when the National Theatre will watch the college’s interpretation. Extremism will next be performed at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate on Thursday 4 May. The college is then hoping to be one of ten selected to perform on stage at the National Theatre.

Wyn Moss, lecturer in performing arts at Milton Keynes College, met Anders Lustgarten and explained why the college picked this particular play.

“I was struck by his desire to challenge the stereotypes and media propaganda around such intrinsic topics as extremism and his willingness to give the people involved a voice.

“This play is about fear, friendship and the creeping polarisation of our society. It gives our students the unique opportunity to explore and challenge perceptions of extremism.

“Performances are free to attend and I’d particularly encourage anyone interested in studying drama or a future in the performing arts to come along.”

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