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Overview
Synopsis
When a group of teenagers’ bullying of another student goes too far, they are left with an unplanned death [Adam] on their conscience. The mixed up group panic and decide to cover up their involvement in Adam's death. However, when they realize their deception has worked and actually brings peace to their confused lives, how do they move forwards? The teenagers split into two camps when they realize that their actions have framed an innocent man for their crime. But is this enough of an incentive to put right their wrong? And what happens when the presumed dead come back to life? Dennis Kelly’s twenty-first century play for young people calls society’s response to cruelty, bullying, peer pressure and pack mentality into question. Are these behaviors societal and learned, or are they inherent in us all?
DNA was developed ten years ago as a part of National Theatre’s Connections Scheme, which commissions playwrights to write plays for young performers aged fourteen to eighteen.
Editor’s Note: The names and genders of characters are suggestions only, and can be changed to suit the performers.
Show Information
- Book
- Dennis Kelly
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 4
- First Produced
- 2008
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Simple/No Set
- Time & Place
- England, Present Day
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- Samuel French
- Ideal For
- College/University, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA)/Children's, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Late Teen Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Male |
Spoken |
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Lead |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Female |
Spoken |
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Supporting |
Male |
Spoken |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher