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Push Up: A Powerful and Moving Drama about the Realities of Life on the Streets

Douglas Foster

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Published in Push Up (NHB Modern Plays) (Nick Hern Books)

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Nick Hern Books is proud to present Push Up, a hard-hitting and thought-provoking play that shines a light on the realities of life on the streets. This powerful drama follows the story of a group of young people who are struggling to survive and find their place in the world.

Push Up is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges faced by young people today. It is a story about poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental health. But it is also a story about hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

Push Up (NHB Modern Plays) (Nick Hern Books)

by Roland Schimmelpfennig

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	996 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	64 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Story

Push Up takes place in a city park, where a group of young people are hanging out. They are all from different backgrounds, but they share a common experience of being marginalized and forgotten by society.

The play follows the group as they struggle to survive on the streets. They beg for change, sleep in doorways, and try to stay out of trouble. But life on the streets is hard, and they are constantly faced with challenges.

One of the group members, a young woman named Sarah, is struggling with addiction. She is desperate to get clean, but she doesn't know how. Another member of the group, a young man named John, is struggling with mental health issues. He hears voices in his head and he is often unable to control his anger.

Despite the challenges they face, the group members try to support each other. They look out for each other, and they try to help each other stay strong. But sometimes, it is just too hard. And sometimes, people fall through the cracks.

The Characters

The characters in Push Up are all complex and well-developed. They are not simply stereotypes, but real people with real struggles. The audience will come to care about these characters and their stories.

Sarah is a young woman who is struggling with addiction. She is desperate to get clean, but she doesn't know how. She is often overwhelmed by her emotions, and she sometimes lashes out at the people who care about her.
John is a young man who is struggling with mental health issues. He hears voices in his head and he is often unable to control his anger. He is often withdrawn and isolated, but he also has a kind and gentle side.
Mary is a young woman who is trying to escape her abusive home life. She is smart and resourceful, but she is also vulnerable and scared. She is often torn between her desire for independence and her need for safety.
David is a young man who is trying to find his place in the world. He is intelligent and ambitious, but he is also insecure and self-destructive. He often makes bad decisions, but he is also capable of great kindness.

The Themes

Push Up explores a number of important themes, including:

Poverty and homelessness: The play shines a light on the realities of life on the streets. The characters in Push Up are all struggling to survive, and they are often faced with challenges that are beyond their control.
Addiction: The play explores the devastating effects of addiction. Sarah's struggle with addiction is a powerful reminder of the toll that addiction can take on individuals and families.
Mental health: The play also explores the challenges faced by people with mental health issues. John's struggle with mental illness is a reminder of the importance of mental health care.
Hope and resilience: Despite the challenges they face, the characters in Push Up never give up hope. They continue to fight for a better life, and they never stop believing in themselves.

The Impact

Push Up has been praised by critics for its powerful storytelling and its realistic portrayal of life on the streets. The play has been performed around the world, and it has had a profound impact on audiences.