HUMAN NURTURE
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By Ryan Calais Cameron
“I don't agree with everything he says or does, but we do have a lot in common nowadays.. And anyway I can't be racist, can I? My best friend is Black.”
Roger and Harry's bond is so strong they could be brothers. They share the same food, music, computer games and even dreams... Everything other than their race.
Roger is Black, and Harry is White. But what does that matter, right?
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USEFUL TO KNOW
Roles: Total (2): Male (2)
Characters: Harry age 18
Runaku age 17
Suitable for: Year 9+
Reading Age: 11
Good for: Monologues and duologues. Written for a Black male and a White male actor with potential to adapt, with sensitivity, to explore themes of gender and race in different ways.
Themes: Racism, white privilege, social class, allyship, identity and belonging.
Positive Messages:
Theme of race explored in safe and yet unapologetic way. Runaku has been on a recent path of discovery, learnng about the cultural heritage of his family. The character of Harry is left at the end of the play in a place of uncertainty. This leaves students with plenty opportunity to unpack the themes in the context of a third person narrative.
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TEACHERS SAY:
‘Human Nurture needs to be in EVERY school in the country, these conversations need to be had with every young person. We have a duty of care for every child and they need to feel seen and heard in our communities.’
Head of Drama,
Forest Hill School.
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'We have just marked our mock exam papers and the students have achieved some of the best marks the department has seen through responding to Human Nurture.'
Head of Performing Arts,
Ercall Wood Academy.
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STUDENTS SAY:
'Human Nurture, has raised questions and brought much needed attention around topics such as racism [that can be] intentional or unintentional. It has highlighted societal issues and challenged societal norms. This play has been written beautifully and it has not only given many people hope but it has also educated us on what racism actually is.' Year 11 Student, King Ecgbert School.
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'I think an original perspective was seeing both of the sides and arguments. Instead of their being an obvious main character and enemy, you had to think about who was right in every sentence they said.' Year 10, Colne Community School
MORE ABOUT HUMAN NURTURE
Ryan Calais Cameron
Ryan is an award-winning writer and actor. His credits include:
Theatre: FOR BLACK BOYS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE HUE GETS TOO HEAVY (Royal Court/Nouveau Riche/Boundless Theatre/New Diorama 2021);HUMAN NURTURE (Theatre Centre/Sheffield Theatres and national tour 2022); TYPICAL, (Nouveau Riche), which starred Richard Blackwood (Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Soho Theatre Upstairs 2020); QUEENS OF SHEBA, (Nouveau Riche), co-written with Jessica Hagan, which won the 2018 Edinburgh Untapped Award, (Edinburgh Fringe, New Diorama Theatre, London and national tour 2019).
Ryan was the winner of the 2018 Off West End ‘Adopt A Playwright Award’ for his play RHAPSODY, which was produced at the Arcola in March of that year. RETROGRADE, written on his year of ‘adoption’, was shortlisted for the 2019 Alfred Fagon Award and Verity Bargate Award 2020.
Ryan is also a professional actor. His work in theatre includes Mogadishu (Manchester Royal Exchange/Lyric Hammersmith), The West Bridge (The Royal Court), The Dug Out (The Tobacco Factory) and Sponge (Old Vic New Voices). TV/Film credits include Luther (BBC) Jekyll and Hyde (ITV), The Coroner (BBC), Suspects (Channel 5), Casualty (BBC), Honey Trap (Bright Pictures) and The Interceptor (BBC) Cilla (ITV).
Plot
Human Nurture is a play set in a flat, possibly a bedsit. It is about two long-time friends, Runaku (17) and Harry (18), and their friendship that started when they were both fostered at a young age.
The play addresses the change in friendship between these two young men. These changes have become more evident over the years since Runaku moved away and began living with his uncle and learning and embracing his Ugandan culture. Harry lives alone and is finding his way, adjusting to adulthood, and dealing with life and the many changes he mostly is not ready for.
Cross Curricular Links
Human Nurture can compliment the KS3/4 curriculum in Drama, PSHE, English and Citizenship.
In The Press
“It's visceral rawness and total authenticity hits you in the gut.” The Guardian
“Crackling, naturally funny dialogue and knockout performances. The play offers a superbly clear illustration of the way that privilege is not about what youʼve been through, but what youʼll never have to go through.” The Stage
"This is definitely a piece of theatre that will resonate with young people, but people of all ages will certainly enjoy it and feel challenged by it.” The Reviews Hub
“It left me, and my friends in the audience, wanting more…” British Theatre
“Rob Watt's direction is dynamic, fast-moving and full of action and contrasts.” What’s On Stage
RESOURCE BANK
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Human Nurture Class Sets
Buy NowPurchase the published play to use in your classroom. Whole class sets available at discounted prices.
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Digital Performance
Watch SceneWatch a key scene from the live show here. Contact us if you would like to watch the entire digtial show with your class.
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Lesson Plans
Download Lesson PlansDrama lessons to support practical exploration of key extracts while reading Human Nurture with your class.
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Reading Club
Find Out MoreWhether you are looking for entire texts or for extracts , this club runs once a term to bring you fresh ideas from the best writing for young audiences today.
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CPD
Enquire nowWe have a number of free and paid for teacher workshops throughout the year. If you would like to know more about our season of events, you can enquire here.
Theatre Centre
Human Nurture - Ryan Calais Cameron
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