Playing Fields

Playing Fields

Short Film

Director: Sam Chapman

Producer: Nina Georgieff

In Development

Playing Fields was first performed at Soho Theatre in 2002. Written by Neela Doležalová as part of the Soho Young Writers Programme, it was a mixture of traditional theatre, pre-recorded film and live video-feed. It has now been developed into a short film script.

As the Iraq war looms, four headstrong London teenagers test the limits of friendship and love as they fight their own battle to save their childhood playing fields from unscrupulous developers. 

Playing Fields is a timely and timeless story of what it means to grow up in a world of political and personal uncertainty. It explores young people as complex characters with relevant views and opinions; the lasting impact of decisions, of the macro (global politics) on the micro (communities and friendships); the negative impact of austerity on young people; the importance of public and community space.

As the UK comes out of another lockdown and we learn to adapt and exist in a world post COVID-19, the impact of austerity will rise and there is likely to be another housing crisis as people financially struggle. In this new world, a strong sense of community and friendship through art and activism is more important than ever.