Under-14s banned from watching drugs play because of strong scenes

YOUNG people were banned from attending a play about the danger of drugs, even though it had a teenage cast.

The play, Hit, which was staged in Limerick at the weekend, was written to raise awareness among young people about drugs.

The production was staged by Limerick Youth Theatre and was funded by Limerick City Drug Prevention Strategy.

But people under 14 years old were not allowed to see the play, as some scenes were deemed to have too strong a content.

The author of the play, Miriam Lohan, said she was surprised at the low level of drugs awareness among Limerick teenagers.

Hit deals with issues including the production and sale of drugs.

“We have decided that the audience must be 14 years old and over, even though it is aimed at young people,” said a spokesperson.

Ms Lohan, said very few young people seem to be aware of how the drugs network operates.

She said she wanted to concentrate on the harm caused by drug trafficking and drug dealing.

“For that reason I decided to write the play. Some of the stories are very harrowing, such as a drugs mule smuggling drugs in her stomach to Limerick from Colombia and the repercussions (of her actions),” she said.

The play was directed by Helena Enright.

Following the play, a short workshop dealt with issues raised and this was chaired by Ray Moloney of Limerick Youth Service.

Due to the success of the play, Limerick Youth Theatre hope to restage Hit again.