Chatroom

by Edna Walsh

A chilling, blackly comic tale of manipulation, cyberbullying and adolescent insecurity. In a quiet corner of the internet, a group of bored, restless teenagers spends its time deconstructing children's literature and the messages in modern pop music. But when a new member joins to share his depression and thoughts of suicide, the conversation takes a darker turn. A powerful depiction of modern-day isolation and the dangerous power of technology, Chatroom formed part of the National Theatre's 2005 Connections season, where it starred Matt Smith and Andrew Garfield. 'A vivid picture of teenage angst and insecurity' Guardian 'Powerful and disturbing' The Stage 'Keenly believeable... enthralling' Financial Times

Genres: Plays, Theatre, Drama

60 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2007

Reviews

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

crazy ending

[Demi Ev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much wishing I had read this when I was fourteen.

[Júlia Vilarim · Rating 2 out of 5]

it’s okay but it could’ve been better. it had some good insights and feelings about youth that i really like, but sometimes it failed to sound like it was teenagers talking

[Lee Maynard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very important message which is current and will be relevant for the duration of this technology-driven age. A group of keyboard warriors- nameless, faceless and masked by a computer screen find comfort in antagonist William. All of the characters have their own insecurities, their own ‘issues’ and they use an internet chat room to blow off some steam and express their thoughts of the world. Enda Walsh emphasises the dangers of the social network in a play that has minimal set. Walsh’s themes are real and raw but some of his writing is dated. There’s times where he fails to put himself in the shoes of an adolescent. A great play nonetheless which is difficult to actually enjoy because of the nature of it, but Enda highlights the dangers of conformity and what can happen if a joke is taken too far.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this play, and I was impressed with the way it boldly discusses teenage depression. I can see a lot of potential in how the direction of a performance could take it even further. From purely reading it, the ending felt a little flat but I can imagine it being a much more powerful thing to witness than to read.

[Bart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thought provoking play, although I think I am going to have to either read the ending again or watch a staged version of it to fully understand. Felt a little bit rushed in my opinion. Regardless I think there is some really deep and interesting subject matter in this play and I am looking forward to re-reading as I use it for a school project. Another great play by Enda Walsh :D.

[steph!! · Rating 3 out of 5]

This script has an important message but I thought it could do without the slurs included

[Sean Og · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in it 💪

[LaurenT Forget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Correct aussi. Cegep ou Tum. Mais pas mon 1er choix mettons. Beau défi de mise en scene parce que ya pas grand chose qui se passe.

[Jack Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this because I was doing my national 5 drama exam on this and it is a solid play

[DJ, · Rating 3 out of 5]

William stop being a prick

[Simon Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting premise, executed in an extremely intelligent way. There's a lot of room for directorial interpretation which I really like. It's a little short though... But I guess that means it doesn't drone on? There's nothing unnecessary really.

I think some of the characters are a little too 1D and appear as devices for the story's advancement, however 1D characters aren't uncommon on the internet so I can let it slide.

The very last line pisses me off, but that aside this is a well written, through my provoking piece that shows off teen-angst but not in a way that makes it appear any less real. A play about teenagers, written for teenagers.

Jim's monologues are also EXCELLENT. They'd be perfect for audition material if someone was looking for some.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this for such a long time, well since I saw the movie and it finally came in the library today. It was much shorter than I imagined, about 50 pages. It was good but I will have to say that I liked the movie better which I never say, but it would be interesting to see a performance of this.