Theater Production of Eight Young Adults’ Real Isolation Experiences and Recovery Process… Resonates Deeply with the Audience
‘We Are Us’ Performance Poster
Performance Photo (Provided by Youth Foundation)
On November 29 and 30, the Youth Foundation (hereafter referred to as the Foundation) staged the play ‘We Are Us’ at the Gwanghwamun Art Hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, featuring eight young adults who experienced isolation and seclusion.
This play was conducted as part of the Foundation’s ‘2024 Youth Change-Up Project,’ specifically under the ‘Recluse Master Training Program’ (operated by Not So Scary Company). Eight young adults who recovered from isolation shared their personal experiences and participation in the program through a play they wrote themselves, thereby communicating with the world and promoting recovery.
Particularly, about 200 individuals, including young adults who experienced isolation and seclusion, their parents and families, practitioners from youth support organizations, and the general public, attended the two-day performance, fostering social empathy for issues of isolation and seclusion.
The content of ‘We Are Us’ follows the journey of young adults who experienced isolation and are now helping those in similar situations, documenting the twists and turns of being a youth activist. It showcases J, who suffered domestic violence from his father, M, who struggled with family expectations and academic pressure, and Y and H who bear the financial burdens of their families, supporting each other through their recovery from isolation.
Through J’s line, “I hope you know that you’re not alone,” the play conveyed the message that the presence of friends, colleagues, and societal interest can help address youth isolation.
In the second part, an audience-participation segment allowed attendees to take the stage and alter characters or scenes, garnering enthusiastic responses.
Following the play, interviews with participating youth and a presentation of the achievements from the ‘Recluse Master Training Program’ held over the past seven months were held.
The young participants shared, “The time of isolation and seclusion began due to reasons such as domestic violence starting from childhood, career setbacks due to injuries, and family dissolution due to financial crises. Through this opportunity, we found solace in realizing that there are many like us, and they are all remarkable young adults. It gave us the courage to re-enter society.”
An audience member, identified as A, remarked, “The sheer bravery of the young adults who took to the stage was deeply moving. I plan to pay closer attention to the issues faced by the young adults around me.”
Park Joo-hee, Secretary-General of the Youth Foundation, stated, “This was a precious experience where the stories of young adults were spread to society through the medium of theater, making a positive impact. We will continue to create a virtuous cycle where the experiences and voices of isolated young adults promote recovery among other youths.”