The Young Idea Project plays one weekend: Friday, June 26th (6:oopm), Saturday, June 27th (2pm) and Sunday, June 28th (noon). Tickets: free for anyone 16-25 years old, suggested minimum donation of $10 for others. Deaf West Theatre, 5112 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood. Reservations are necessary and can be made via phone 818-506-5436 or email events@antaeus.org. For more information, visit www.antaeus.org

The Young Idea Project is named after a play by Noel Coward which celebrates youth; taking a cue from the celebrated playwright, the Antaeus Academy is hosting a weekend of workshops, readings and roundtables with the intention of introducing Coward’s work to youth ages 16-25.

“In this time of online, open communication,” says Cindy Marie Jenkins, Artistic Associate of the Anteaus Company, “Noel Coward clearly proves that accepting new ideas and valuing the old is the best road forward.” The three plays scheduled for performed readings were especially selected with a young audience in mind. “Each play in The Young Idea hinges on one specific conflict: how can younger people’s ideals evolve and prosper when they are caught in the very world which suffocates their parents?  Sorel and Simon Bliss (Hay Fever) play out their frustration within the very games their parents created; Doris and Stevie Shattock (Peace in Our Time) deceive their parents to save all their lives; and John Whittaker (Easy Virtue) melts into a little boy in full view of his worldly wife after visiting his parents for barely a month.”

The project, made possible by a grant from the Noel Coward Foundation, will also feature discussions about the life and work of Coward as well as performance workshops and receptions.

So how will young people respond to the work of Coward? Will a new generation find his classic themes applicable, his wit entertaining and his characters timeless? Check back next week on LA Stage blog when we post some audience and participant’s responses.

Photo Courtesy of broadwayworld.com