Mythbuster (From Stroud News and Journal)

Mythbuster

INTERNATIONALLY renowned children's theatre director Greg Banks kicks off a tour of schools and theatres today with a new play that tackles Islamophobia.

Salaam explores the preconceptions and misconceptions about Islam in 21st Century Britain through the lives of three teenagers.

"Currently the Islamic world is seen by many as a threat," said Greg, 53. "It is important we look at why people are worried, what and where the worry comes from and where it could lead us."

The show will tour for six weeks in schools in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Sheffield but will also be open to the public at various venues - including The Space in Stroud on May 19.

In recent years Greg has specialised in working with professional actors to make theatre for children but believes this issue is alive right throughout society.

"One of the members of the company had been doing work in schools a few years ago and she picked up on some negative attitudes," said Greg, who lives in Stroud and has recently written and directed theatre for the West End and Broadway.

"But it's not just for schools, if you pick up the paper there will be two or three articles about the Muslim world.

"A lot of it is negative and this is a chance to address that and break down some of the myths."

And no stranger to staging shows for packed theatres of over 1,000 people he is relishing the opportunity to work in more intimate spaces.

"It's a delight to work on such a strong piece of theatre and for it to be so close to home", said Greg, who is currently writing an adaptation of Huckleberry Finn for a flagship US children's theatre in Minneapolis.

"It's a pleasure to be able to do this show in such a low-tech way," he added.

And although the production has a raw edge, Greg has drafted in a cast of top actors and the very well respected composer Tom Johnson to provide a strong on stage musical accompaniment.