Where the Mangrove Grows

Description

"Families? Been it - seen it - done it. Got the badge. And Shaun, I'll tell you this for nothing, it's one big con job." Twelve year-old Shaun just can't work it out. Why hasn't his Mum come to visit? Why has his care-worker taken his picturebook? And who is the man at the window calling him away? With a bed for a boat, and a skirting board oar, Shaun sets off for the mangrove swamps in this darkly enchanting tale of a lost boy's transformation. A brave and startling vision of neglect from Royal Court Studio writer, Joe Hammond, offering a uniquely imaginative take on invisible young lives. Where the Mangrove Grows premiered at Theatre 503 on 6 November 2012 in a co-production between Theatre 503 and Number Nine Theatre.

In 2012, Joe Hammond was invited onto the Royal Court Studio Writers' Group, having previously been one of 'The Fifty' - a prestigious BBC/Royal Court initiative that selected fifty of the UK's 'most exciting emerging playwrights' for development and industry mentoring. Prior to his debut London production at Theatre503 with Where the Mangrove Grows, he has also been the recipient of a Soho Theatre START residency and an Arts Council England-funded residency with award-winning Coventry theatre company, Theatre Absolute.

Where the Mangrove Grows is a small play with big implications. It could scarcely be more timely. -- Heather Neill * The Arts Desk * A powerful, thoughtful and accomplished debut play - one which will make difficult viewing for anyone affected by the issues. -- Matthew Tucker * The Huffington Post * Joe Hammond's debut play - inspired by his own experience of working in a children's psychiatric hospital 15 years ago - couldn't be more topical ... There is plenty of writing talent in evidence -- Lyn Gardner * Guardian *