Class Enemy

Synopsis

A vandalised, dilapidated classroom in a South London school

Iron, the de facto leader among six unruly boys, commands the spotlight in Nigel Williams’ raw and intense play Class Enemy. The narrative unfolds as the boys wait in vain for a teacher who never arrives. In the absence of authority, the students create their own hierarchical order, with Iron at the helm, forcing each boy to “teach” a lesson. The play reveals the harsh realities of a neglected education system and the societal apathy that leaves these boys to fend for themselves in a chaotic environment.

The play explores themes of anarchy, societal neglect, and the struggle for power and identity. It is a drama with elements of dark comedy and social commentary, structured in a linear narrative that portrays the bleak and oppressive atmosphere of the classroom. The setting, with its broken tables, dirty blackboard, and sterile fluorescent lighting, serves as a stark backdrop for the boys’ interactions and the unfolding power dynamics.