Scratching the Surface (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781999742966)

This thought-provoking play by Justine Cope is a great addition to any youth drama group.

Set in an underground bunker, we follow a group of young apocalyptic 'survivors' with dreams of urban exploration as they delve into the past to make sense of the future. They are guided by two adults referred to only as 'The Wise'. But who are the Wise and are they hiding something? And what of Nostradamus and the quatrains? Do they really hold the key to the downfall of the Relics (Adults) and the success of the New World?

The play offers flexible casting for Youth Groups. Characters can be Male, Female or any combination of the two, it also offers the opportunity for doubling/ combining roles for smaller casts, ensuring the characters of The Wise, Rock, Jam, Meil, Cub and Wiz remain consistent. The play allows for additions of music to aid smooth and interesting transitions and physical theatre to enact the quatrains. Staging should be adaptable and interchangeable to allow swift movement between different areas of the bunker. Costuming can be as simplistic or elaborate as the production team chose. The original production incorporated a steam-punk theme, with individualised elements for each character to reflect their identity.