Author Description

<p><b>Nominated for Community Award at The Stage Awards 2025</b><br><br>Five powerful new plays by some of the most exciting artists working in the UK today – created with and for young people. Developed as part of Wonder Fools' international project <i>Positive Stories for Negative Times</i>, which has engaged over 11,000 young people across 24 countries including the UK, South Africa, India, USA, Canada, Italy and Australia. Co-commissioned by Wonder Fools and the Traverse Theatre,<br>these bold, imaginative plays span a wide range of styles, themes and forms – designed for ages 6–25. They invite young people to explore big ideas, ask urgent questions and take creative risks. This season's plays are:<br><br><i>We Ain't Movin' </i>by Travis Alabanza<br>Ages 12-18<br><br><i>Roman Cardboard Swift </i>by Ella Hickson<br>Ages 12-25<br><br><i>Hold Me Closer Bunny Baxter</i> by James Ley<br>Ages 14-25<br><br><i>Careful What You Wish For</i> by Hannah Low<br>Ages 6-12<br><br><i>The Book of Spin</i> by Mammalian Diving Reflex<br>Ages 12-25<br><br><i>Positive Stories For Negative Times </i>began in response to the loss of creative spaces during the pandemic – offering young people the chance to connect, express themselves and make new work. Now an international programme, it includes hundreds of participating groups around the world, a Youth Board who dramaturg every commissioned play, a CPD programme for leaders, and four youth theatre festivals across Scotland taking place in summer 2025.<br><br>Supported by Creative Scotland, the Gannochy Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, William Syson Foundation, Trades House of Glasgow Commonweal Fund and Gordon Fraser Foundation.</p>