The play: Stones in his Pockets by Marie Jones Nick Hern (2000), £8.99 Casting M x2 Themes and Issues A dark comedy about the filming of a Hollywood epic in rural County Kerry. Performance matters A simple set can provide the background for all the scenes. Appropriate lighting changes and sound effects or music can help to create atmosphere to support the performances by the two actors.

Why it’s great!
The conflict between the shallow values of the movie industry and the real lives of local villagers is brought to a head when a local lad commits suicide. This play works on several layers and will utilise all the skills and dramatic techniques that you and your students can muster.

Watch out for…
Casting. If aiming to perform this, you will need a very talented pair of actors. There is a temptation to slip into parody in order to differentiate the characters, which should be avoided at all costs. However the play provides ample opportunities for pair work, exploring ways of distinguishing the varied characters.

This article first appeared in Teaching Drama, published by Rhinegold Publishing Ltd (020 7333 1720). © David Farmer 2006.

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