No Mean Street - Paul Boakye - Bog

No Mean Street is a powerful, physical drama set in the heart of urban street culture. Using explicit language, rap music and dance, and populated with the familiar faces of Raggas, drug dealers, junkies, homeboys and single parents, No Mean Street explodes in enough violence and sexuality to grip the attention of any teenager. Staged close to the audience with graphic and fast-paced direction, using writer Paul Boakye's characters to cleverly explore and destroy the popular prejudices and stereotypes which prevent many teenagers taking the dangers of drugs, unsafe sex, and HIV/AIDS seriously. By following Arlington's fall from arrogant homeboy to abandoned outcast, the audience is made to question their own preconceptions. Was Arlington so cool? ls safe sex such a bad idea? Wasn't he a better father and boyfriend after he accepted his status? If he can get a serious and life-threatening STD, perhaps?