ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

In the wake of more and more Government initiatives to tackle the increasing tide of knife crime, these young thespians have been performing a special play which they hope will send out a powerful and moving message.

β€˜Shank’ is written by Richard Vincent in conjunction with cast members the majority of whom have had first hand experience of the level of aggression on the streets.

Rachel Berry and Sam Crisp

Rachel Berry is one of the 18 strong cast members.Μύ She said, this is something she’s had to deal with in her own area of South London:

β€œThere are a lot of people who turn a blind eye to it so I think it’s important that we shout about it and, that we make people aware and try and make sure they don't hide from it”.

With this captured audience, the cast hope they have been able to deliver a special message to each of them.

β€œI want them to see the main character’s [killer] lifestyle and how it pans out and to never go down that route as it leads to death and a lot of painβ€œ, explains cast member, Sam Crisp

If you've seen the play, let me have your views - email evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk

your views

I have had the pleasure to see CYTO's performance of shank quite a number of times as I have been involved for the majority of its journey. I also went with them to the Big Youth Theatre Festival and saw how many people were moved and brought to tears by the play. Also, it is the only show to be shown again at the festival due to demand and we still turned people away.

I also work at tat britain and i thought it would be a good idea to show it to as many people as I could so I helped bring it to Loud Tate. The debate that followed lasted over an hour and people couldn't stop talking about it.

I am so pleased to hear how people were affected by it. I have seen it so many tmes and I still cry every time. Lets just hope that people in higher offices see it and help transfer it to the masses.

Charlie Allen - 17/11/08

I thought i'd send you email regarding the play Shank. I was lucky enough to accidently see the play at LoudTate where I followed a crowd into the auditorium not knowing where I was going and why, but I am so grateful that I ended up where I did.

The play was incredibly emotional and moving. Being from London myself I am sad of the state that our city is in and I do worry about the growth of gang crime but also about the kids that grow up with it all happening around them.

Me and my sister were truly touched my CYTO's performance and we found it impossible to hold back the tears towards the end, especially when the names of the victims were read out by the cast, both on stage and sitting among us in the auditorium. Once we'd left the theatre neither me or my sister could talk and the rest of the day was spent in sombre mood, both reflecting on what we'd seen and also feeling an overwhelming need to help stop all this unnecessary violence happening on our streets, involving our children.

I think that Shank should be shown on a larger scale, maybe even toured to schools. If it effected and shocked us the way that it did I am sure it will effect many more. Since watching the play, I still feel the need to try and help stop everything that is going on, So for my Photography Degree Exhibition I am planning on taking some serious, moving images on the violence, the effects of lost on the families and the mess of our streets.

Thank you so much for your time.

Kate Ford