The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return

About the Show:

"The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return" is a powerful, hard-hitting theatrical production from Chalkline Theatre, tackling pressing social issues like knife violence, the housing crisis, the repression of working-class communities, gang violence, and racism. The show is not just a performance but a movement aimed at raising awareness and driving real change in communities affected by these challenges.

Social Issues Addressed:

• Knife Violence:

  • Knife crime has increased by 75% between 2012/13 and 2023/24, with a 5% rise in the last year alone.

  • Globally, knife crime has surged by 15% over the past five years.

  • Our goal is to highlight these devastating statistics and use the platform of theatre to initiate change.

• Housing Crisis:

  The production delves into the systemic inequality and struggles faced by those in the grip of a worsening housing crisis.

• Gang Violence and Racism:

  Exploring the deep-seated issues that foster gang culture and racism, Chalkline hope to spark conversations and build a more unified society.

Mission: Beyond the stage, Chalkline Theatre are committed to creating tangible change in communities both locally and internationally. They offer free knife crime intervention workshops, focusing on the skills and awareness needed to prevent life-threatening situations. By working with young people, they aim to discourage knife-carrying, gang involvement, and the escalating cycle of violence.

Creating Change in Society:

In partnership with the Bedfordshire Police, Chalkline collaborate with a knife crime intervention unit to deliver vital work during their Luton performances. For the Edinburgh Fringe run, they joined forces with Youth Link Scotland, a local knife crime group, to raise funds and support intervention efforts. As they tour, they will partner with local knife crime charities or police units to deliver similar programs in each community. After every performance, audience members will receive awareness materials to help continue the conversation and inspire real change.

Real-Life Impact and Motivation

The writer, Sam Edmunds, brings a deeply personal perspective to this production. Having been held at knife point on multiple occasions, and witnessing friends and classmates affected by gang violence, Sam understands the catastrophic impact of this issue. His brother, a teacher, tragically lost a student to a fatal stabbing on school grounds, further highlighting the need for urgent action.

The rising statistics must be stopped, and Chalkline Theatre is committed to being part of the solution through education, awareness, and community engagement.