Fire safety message to schools

Through this month and next, KINN will be touring a production of 'Smoke' to secondary schools and youth clubs throughout East Sussex.

KINN work in partnership with the Children's Services & Education Team at East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service to address identified safety priorities and to write plays that are specific and relevant to the target audience.

'Smoke' will feature information about young people's vulnerability - especially when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

'Smoke' will be a forum theatre production, providing a fun style of theatre that lets audience members take over the main character's role, change the outcome of the play and explore the subject matter on a personal level.

Rosamond Palmer, KINN's Creative Director said, "The wonderful thing about good theatre in education is that children absorb information while having fun. It is a very cost effective way of influencing large numbers of young people. We often perform to over 2,000 children a week."

Colin Beney, Education Advisor, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said, "We take advantage of every opportunity to assist in making our communities safer and healthier. This partnership provides an opportunity to ensure key safety messages are included. Day to day, these messages are delivered by our team to educational establishments and this is yet another opportunity to promote them to the vulnerable."

Once KINN have finished their 3-week run of 'Smoke', they will take a 75-minute production called "Fire, Fire" into local primary schools in February.

KINN will be performing "Smoke" at secondary schools in Uckfield, Lewes, Eastbourne, Rye, Heathfield, Robertsbridge and Hastings from 19th January '“ 6th February. More information about KINN can be found at www.kinn.org.uk and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service at www.esfrs.org

For more information, including dates and venues, please call Rosamond Palmer at KINN on 0845 327 3964 or Emma Brandenburger at East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service on 01323 462421.