Telling the truth, being honest and sharing your story takes guts. Real guts.
How do you tell your friend she can't sleep over anymore?
Can you help a parent when she's lost all hope?
How can you strive for independence when the system is working against you?
And what if just being honest means you're out on the street?
Inspired by real stories from young people who have experienced homelessness, Follow Me Home is presented as a series of vignettes, in which four talented young actors reveal the stories of extraordinarily strong, resilient and courageous young people.
Inspired by the real life stories shared by homeless young people across NSW, this thought-provoking work is a must-see for audiences aged 14 and over.
Playwright Lewis Treston attended a series of workshops with young people who had experienced youth homelessness as part of his research process.
"I got a real sense of how 'ordinary' teenage things become immeasurably difficult when you don't have a traditional support network," he said. "Most importantly, I was able to just hang out with these awesome teenagers, who were so generous and open, had a wicked sense of humour, and expressed a hopeful vision for their future."
Writing the play confirmed for Treston the enormous damage the experience of poverty and marginalisation can have on the human spirit.
"I also developed a deeper appreciation for how remarkably resilient some young people can be. It also became strikingly clear that on the most basic level we all want similar things: to feel safe, connected with other people, valued and loved."
Follow Me Home will be presented as a film screening of the live theatre performance as the cast are not permitted to travel to WA due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Arts Margaret River General Manager Michelle Wright said that they were determined to try and proceed with the event as homelessness is such a prevalent and growing concern.
"Australian Theatre for Young People were so disappointed when the tour was cancelled and they are delighted that we will screen the event," she said.
"In addition to the screening we will also present a collection of audio stories by Margaret River locals who have experienced homelessness.
"We want to ensure that local stories and voices are also heard and to support Just Home Margaret River. For every ticket sold, we are donating $5 to Just Home. We hope the community will show their support by coming along."
Follow Me Home is on Wednesday 8 September, 7pm at Margaret River HEART
Tickets ($10 each with $5 to Just Home) can be purchased from artsmargaretriver.com, by calling 9758 7316 or by visiting the Arts Margaret River Office at the Community Centre, Tunbridge Street (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm).
