Over 500 students from the Tivoli Gardens and Kingston Technical High schools, along with 220 inner-city residents from six inner-city communities across Kingston, have been sponsored by Scotiabank to view the compelling anti-violence drama Curfew - performed by Ashe Performing Arts Ensemble.

The students, who have been repeatedly exposed to repeat incidents of violence, are being pulled together over a one-week period to view the play as a form of 'creative counselling' using drama therapy. The drama, Curfew, addresses current issues affecting inner-city communities such as crime, violence, peer pressure, poor parenting and unemployment.

Practical methods

It also offers practical methods of addressing these ills in a self-introspective and inspiring way.

Scotiabank has funded the cost of exposing the students to the performance and follow-up counselling sessions, given increasing reports of violence in these schools and the residential communities.

"The project is aiming at providing a creative avenue for the students to see the effect of violence on young adults and the impact on their communities," Scotiabank said.

Students from the Tivoli High viewed the dramatic performance last Wednesday, while students of the Kingston Technical High will view the performance today.