Teens’ Spirits sheds light on drugs

A Newton Moore Senior High School drama class has been named a finalist in a festival highlighting youth health issues.

The team is one of eight finalists in the Statewide Youth On Health Festival (YOH Fest) drama and short film section.

The theme for this year’s YOH Fest is substance abuse, and the students have written an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.

In the play, the 16 students will explore the dangers of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana.

Teacher in charge, Lee McLaughlin, said the production featured plenty of movement.

‘‘Year 11 student Trudy Snow will also sing in the show,’’ she said.

The students’ production is called Spirits and the finals will be held in Mandurah on October 27.

‘‘I’m really proud of the students, they really deserve it because they’ve worked really hard,’’ Ms McLaughlin said.

‘‘Newton Moore has a long history of involvement with YOH Fest, I think we’ve taken part for 12 years.’’

With a month left until the finals, including school holidays, Ms McLaughlin said there was many rehearsals and preparations to go.

‘‘We’ve now got time to get them immersed in their characters,’’ she said.

‘‘Being named a finalist is certainly a kudos for the school and the students’ effort.’’

The aim of YOH Fest is to educate and inform youth about adolescent health issues.

In Spirits, one of the characters explores the dangers of drinking when pregnant, resulting in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.