Teenagers real words on life and death issues

A young Belfast brother and a sister. Alex and Michael. Finally having their voices heard.

Listen to what they're saying because I didn't last year. 

January 2009 an article appeared in the Belfast Telegraph. The headline was "Ulster Pupils' Mental Health Shock".

If I'm honest I'm only really taking any notice of it now as it's been made into a play.

Bulletproof is the latest touring production by Replay theatre company.

Off the back of the Bamford Report, Replay commissioned Welsh playwright Gary Owen to write a work for them on mental health issues and young people here. He came over and spoke to Belfast teenagers. He used many of their actual words in the work.

"Young people need to understand that feelings of sadness, or despair - even suicidal feelings -are nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to be frightened of, and nothing to hide."

It turns out that the brother and sister we meet are older now, looking back at their teenage selves. Alex is in mourning, and as the play moves forward we become aware that Michael is dead, having taken his own life years earlier.

In 25 minutes we get a glimpse of what it must be like to feel so scared and alone that the only way out is suicide.

Bulletproof is touring schools at the moment. Our over 14s are getting to see it. Every performance has a post show discussion, there's an advice pack and alot of help and support from teachers and Replay.

It's difficult, complex stuff, but these are real words said by real teenagers.

Kathryn Torney wrote an important article last January. Gary Owen has gone a step further and put the newsprint onto the stage. And Replay has given voice to the Alexs and Michaels of the world.

Bulletproof comes to the Baby Grand at the Grand Opera House Belfast 15th to 17th February.