This Is Our Youth at Leederville Sporting Club Western Australia

A PERFECT storm of adolescence, hormones and emotion erupts in Life on Hold Productions’ latest show – the coming-of-age play This Is Our Youth at the Leederville Sporting Club.

Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Kenneth Lonergan and directed by Riley Lane, the dark comedy is set against the Reagan era of the early ’80s and explores timeless issues of adolescence and maturity.

The story follows 48 hours in the lives of three lost young souls: a dejected 19-year-old who has stolen $15,000 from his father, his drug-dealing friend and an anxiously insightful young woman.

This Is Our Youth was named one of the 50 best plays of all time in 2020.

“It’s a gritty story where a bunch of young adults are shoved into a studio apartment together and mayhem unfolds,” Riley said.

“I came across the script when looking for scenes to work on in acting classes.

“I fell in love with the show and, when a directing opportunity came up, I had to jump at it.”

Involved in the performing arts for several years, Riley has appeared with Roleystone and Marloo Theatres and Laughing Horse Productions.

She appeared in The Grimm Brothers Spectaculathon in 2019, winner of the Peter Mann Costume Award at Dramafest, the annual state drama festival.

With This Is Our Youth, Riley’s main challenge is the size of the production team.

“It’s just two people, myself and the assistant director, and between us we need to bring everything together,” she said.

“It’s a big project to undertake but I am super excited to bring this show to the stage.”

This Is Our Youth plays at 7.30pm July 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31; 2pm July 18 and 4pm July 25. Tickets are $27, $22 concession – book at www.TAZTix.com.au or call TAZTix on 9255 3336.

Note: the play is rated MA15+ with strong language, drug and sexual references and simulated drug use.

The Leederville Sporting Club is at 78 Cambridge Street, West Leederville.