ABSTRACT
This chapter concerns and celebrates youth, and we contend that it falls to them to take these times forward. Society positions youth in seemingly contradictory ways; as symbols of eternal hope for humanity, but also as problematic and chaotic totems of today. We add to this a third category – ambivalence towards youth; as characterised by the climate emergency and decline of democracy. These divergent perspectives on youth as hope and problem run to the heart of the conversations in the chapter and are wonderfully exemplified by the at once uplifting and troublesome (for some) words and actions of youth such as Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. In examining drama and youth, we look to the work of researchers such as Kathleen Gallagher who examine the impact of these times on youth, from their perspectives. The possibilities for drama as an important space of voice and safety for youth is examined. This is dependent on these spaces being made available through arts, education and access to arts provision being protected and extended.
