The Island

(The Island - Mannen Frå Havet)

A play freely adapted from Armin Greder’s picture book by Laura Lomas

Coproduction Nottingham Playhouse Roundabout & Det Norske Theatret

Classroom play in English and Norwegian

Age group: 9-12

What happens when a lonely stranger is washed up on the beach of an isolated island community? Neither understands the other’s language, and all are suspicious of what he brings to their island, except for one little girl and her fisherwoman mother. They argue that the man should be integrated into the community but all refuse, even the priest. The people are frightened, and eventually fear rules over compassion, as they cast the stranger back out to sea.

The classroom play explores notions of difference, otherness and prejudice. It deals with the  responsibilities of individuals within a society to care for others, particularly strangers and the economic implications of caring for others.