For Children

Synopsis

A desolate forest, scarred by war. Amidst the debris and charred remains, two children stumble upon a skeleton

In the aftermath of an unnamed conflict, a Boy and Girl wander through a haunting landscape, grappling with the loss of their parents and the violent transformation of their world. Their encounter with a skeleton becomes a poignant exploration of mortality, innocence, and the human capacity for both fear and compassion.

The play’s stark, minimalist dialogue belies its profound emotional depths. It oscillates between moments of childlike wonder and gut-wrenching horror, as the young protagonists project their hopes, fears, and confusion onto the skeletal remains. Through their interaction with death made tangible, the play examines themes of trauma, resilience, and the loss of innocence. The children’s attempts to make sense of their new reality – alternately anthropomorphising and fearing the skeleton – serve as a powerful metaphor for humanity’s struggle to comprehend the incomprehensible in times of war