THE world of the teenager can be a lonely and frightening place.

And when your community is plagued with gang warfare and habitual murder, it’s a living hell.

Chickenshed Theatre’s inclusive troupe of splendid young performers take us into this hell and, in just under an hour, we see, hear and feel not only the desolation of their lives but the complex range of factors that cause their social alienation.

The shocking “crime” of the play’s title is that in the 21st century, in a supposedly sophisticated and civilised society, growing numbers of lawless communities exist, where children kill one other gratuitously and without a care. The piece is to be admired for bringing this shameful fact to wider attention.

Created originally in 2008 in response to a number of fatal stabbings impacting on staff, students and members of the London-based Chickenshed, the play reflects the real experience of many of its participants.

Developed through workshops and numerous interviews, the production has toured extensively and now takes advantage of social distancing limitations to reach a more varied and socially engaged audience online.

The piece neither oversimplifies nor preaches but, through expressive movement and dance, words, voiceovers, contemporary music and hip-hop, penetrates the reality of both victim and perpetrator, child and parent. Not least, it enables the performers to share with others the complexity of their lives.

Dave Carey and Christina Niering direct with confidence and style and Graham Hollick’s design complements the skilled choreography.

The performers — Daniel Banton, Philip Constantinou, Loren Jacobs, Charlie Kemp, Mark Lees, Gavin May, Jojo Morrall, Nathan Walsh and Dina Williams — display a purposeful discipline that avoids sentimentality and highlights the terrible endangerment and loss of young lives.

The visceral narrative is impressively delivered and atmospheric, the music score includes the Fleetwood Mac song Oh! Daddy by Christine McVie, sung hauntingly by Fiona Carey and
this artistic endeavour, impressively communicated, feels like a heartfelt cry for help by the young.

Crime Of The Century is available on YouTube until January 31