National Theatre Connections is a nationwide celebration of new playwriting for young people. In March 2012, Chichester Festival Theatre will host a regional festival with a dozen School Companies and Youth Theatre Groups from the South East.

This year we have commissioned ten new internationally inspired plays for young performers from some of the most exciting writers in the world today.

From Manchester to Brazil young people have helped give these ten new and invigorating plays an authentic voice; and they're now ready to have life breathed into them by your young actors.

All of these plays have been written with actors of any nationality or racial background in mind.

Explore the world of Connections 2012 and find out about each play by clicking the links below.

Alice By Heart by Steven Sater & Duncan Sheik
A fresh new rock-musical take on Alice in Wonderland, from the creators of Spring Awakening.

The Grandfathers by Rory Mullarkey
Across the world, young people are legally bound to serve in their nation's armed forces. This visceral and provocative play looks at the plight of teenage soldiers caught in the military machine.

Journey To X by Nancy Harris
A group of friends must raise the money to get to London to audition for the world's biggest talent contest. Not everything is as glamorous as it seems in this journey through the risks that teenagers take when plunged into an adult world.

Little Foot by Craig Higginson
Deep within the South African underground caves, a group of young friends unleash the nightmarish stories of their ancestors. Craig Higginson's play draws on Greek Tragedy and twenty-first century relationships.

The Ritual by Samir Yazbek
A secret organisation with a set of rules its members must follow, engaging in relationships devoid of affection or investment. This intense psychological thriller tracks their weekly endeavours to follow the ritual.

Prince of Denmark by Michael Lesslie
Marking celebrations of Shakespeare in 2012, this imagined prequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet follows the teenage in his early pursuit of a young Ophelia, and his dealings with an ambitious Laertes.

So You Think You're A Superhero? By Paven Virk
The prestigious Sports Academy has a secret sporting superhero lined up for the Olympics. When Teen TV goes undercover to find out more, any hopes of Olympic success are put in jeopardy.

Socialism Is Great by Anders Lustgarden
Revolutionary China is contrasted with the current Republic. While their parents celebrated Socialism in the streets, today's children leave their homes, adopt false identities and sell iPhones on the black market. A passionate political play about ideals and realities.

Victim Sidekick Boyfriend Me by Hilary Bell
A Girl commits a crime without punishment. Affected by the unending forgiveness of others, she gradually craves the ability to properly atone. But just how much is their forgiveness her punishment?

2012 Programme:

Monday 19 March
CATS Youth Theatre - Socialism is Great
Chichester High School for Girls - Little Foot

Tuesday 20 March
Blatchington Mill School - Journey To X
Chichester Festival Youth Theatre - The Ritual

Wednesday 21 March
Havant Academy - So You Think You're a Superhero?
The Henry Beaufort School - Little Foot

Thursday 22 March
Brighton Hove Sussex Sixth Form - The Grandfathers
Christs' Hospital School - Victim Sidekick Boyfriend Me

Friday 23 March
Bexhill Sixth Form College - The Grandfathers
SAVVY Theatre Company - Journey to X
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys - Prince of Denmark

Saturday 24 March
Trinity Youth Theatre Company - Alice By Heart
Academy of Creative Training - Journey to X
Wild Wing - Victim Sidekick Boyfriend Me