The Free9

Book excerpt: Nine teenagers flee North Korea, dreaming of a new life in the South. But the danger is far from over. With threats around every corner, perhaps the mysterious figure of Big Brother can help them? Or is he the very person they're running from? As their lives hang in the balance, could the teenagers' fate ultimately come down to a garish South Korean variety show? Inspired by a true story, this is the story of hope, escape and cultural difference. Originally commissioned as a play for the National Theatre Connections Festival 2018, this new single-text edition is published for the first time in Methuen Drama's Plays For Young People series. With a cast size of 10 plus an ensemble, its a perfect contemporary drama for young people to study and perform.