KYT bring new play, Indigo, to Scotland's National Festival of Youth Theatres

26 young people from Kildare Youth Theatre travelled to Fife, near Edinburgh for a weekend of theratre-making, workshops and perfomances at Scotland's National Festival of Youth Theatres.

The annual event is organised by Youth Theatre Arts Scotland (YTAS) and Kildare YT have been participanting every year since 2005 (when they staged 'Citizenship' by Mark Ravenhill in Perth).

This year the group, under the artistic direction of Evan Lynch and welfare guidance of Kyle Walsh, created a 20 minute piece celebrating the historic marriage equality referendum result in Ireland (in May). The piece, Indigo, was an expression of the young people's opinions and feelings about equality, and since most of them were too young to vote in the Irish referendum (minimum voting age is 18), the play was their way of having their voices heard on the issue.

For many it was their first time away from home, and they were also accompanied by youth workers Debbie O' Rourke and Veronica Bagnall, as well as by young leader Caolán Dundon.

There were over 300 young people at NFYT, from all over Scotland. They all stayed in a secure campsite in Fife and performed in Glenrothes Theatre.

Taking part in NFYT is relatively expensive for Kildare YT and so the group fundraises for a long time before they go. The young people run events and gigs, and do bag-packing in local supermarkets to help with the cost of airfare and participation.

However, the experience is always worth is, as lasting friendships are made, and huge learning takes place about theatre, life, hard work and little sleep!