Burning Monkey

Burning Monkey relates the story of a teenage couple and their interactions with an older war veteran, trying to rebuild his fractured relationship with his daughter. While their exchanges initially show a hostile and unsympathetic clash of generations, it soon becomes apparent that they share similar pain – based on their damaged family relationships, and absent parents/children – and they begin to feel empathy for one another’s plight.

In the background, the presence of war looms; the character of Old is haunted by memories of his time as a soldier and the character of Monkey looks forward to a time when he can escape the depressing realities of his life and join the army. In the midst of this, Shell is fifteen, madly in love with Monkey, and pregnant with his child. Her attempts to try and make the irresponsible, immature Monkey stay with her become increasingly desperate.

Burning Monkey is a play that raises important issues for teenagers, addressing themes such as war, violence, separated families and responsibility.

A strongly issue-led play, Burning Monkey relates the story of a teenage couple and their interactions with an older war veteran, trying to rebuild his fractured relationship with his daughter. While their exchanges initially show a hostile and unsympathetic clash of generations, it soon becomes apparent that they share similar pain - based on their damaged family relationships, and absent parents/children - and they begin to feel empathy for one another's plight. In the background, the presence of war looms; the character of Old is haunted by memories of his time as a soldier and the character of Monkey looks forward to a time when he can escape the depressing realities of his life and join the army. In the midst of this, Shell is fifteen, madly in love with Monkey, and pregnant with his child. Her attempts to try and make the irresponsible, immature Monkey stay with her become increasingly desperate. Burning Monkey is a play that raises important issues for teenagers, addressing themes such as war, violence, separated families and responsibility.

Characters

Old is about forty-eight. He’s an ex-soldier, who fought in the Malvinas. He suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He has a daughter who is about 30 years old (Megan Evans) he hasn’t seen for over twenty years. She lives in number 15 Park View.

Monkey is about seventeen. He suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He’s mischievous, not bad, but he’s been given an Anti-social Behaviour Order (ASBO). He lives with his mother in number 13 Park View. He doesn’t know his father. He wants to join the army.

Shell is about fifteen. She’s in love with Monkey. She’s pregnant, but hasn’t told anyone. She lives with her mother who’s often absent.

Musician never speaks, but follows the action and accompanies throughout. He’s young, and his clothes suggest he may have been an (Argentinian) soldier. He is invisible to Monkey and Shell but Old seems aware of him sometimes. He may be the spirit of a young soldier shot by Old.

 

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects children and teens and can continue into adulthood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses. Or they may have trouble paying attention.

PTSD

PTSD, or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of a life-threatening events such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault in adult or childhood.