DNA by Dennis Kelly

Title: DNA
Author: Dennis Kelly
Pages: 64
Genre: Play, Drama
Book Description:
A group of teenagers do something bad, really bad, then panic and cover the whole thing up. But when they find that the cover-up unites them and brings harmony to their otherwise fractious lives, where’s the incentive to put things right? DNA is a poignant and, sometimes, hilarious tale with a very dark heart.

A new play for younger people DNA opened at the National Theatre in February 2008

Get it here | Good reads

My Opinion:
This was one of the core texts I had to study for my GCSE English exam 2 years ago. After discovering it in the back of my wardrobe, I decided to reread it to see if I had changed opinions on the play. I didn't.

In the past, I've had a history of poorly chosen texts for the English exams, including Paddy Clarke, Ha Ha Ha and Of Mice and Men. On the contrary, this one was quite different! Following the story of a teenage gang, we discover the traumatic crimes in which they've committed and how they react to a discovery that could put them away for good.

The best part was the characters! Because the teenagers are part of a group, it was interesting to see the dynamics between each character and who the leaders were. My favourite characters were Leah and Phil (they kind of come as a pair) because their contrasting attitudes intrigued me. Plus, Phil is very secretive and surprised me a lot as the story went on.

Speaking of the storyline, there were many fantastic twists, besides the main one that has been hinted at in the blurb, that kept me hooked the entire way through. Despite it being a very short play, which is something I also enjoyed (since I was able to read it in a day!), I felt like a lot happened. It was fast paced and kept me intrigued and whole time.

Lastly, the messages in this play really gave me something to think about. Some of the themes included status in the group between the members, peer-pressure and the morals between what is right and wrong. I ended up thinking about it a lot after I'd finished, mainly imagining myself and what I'd do in a situation like that.

Altogether this was a fantastic play and I'm very pleased to have discovered it through school! It's a shame to think that if I hadn't studied this, I doubt I'd have ever come across it since I don't read plays often and it's not that well known. This is something I'd like to see changed... Definitely worth the read!


Favourite Quotes:

What's more important; one person or everyone?

~~~~

Rating ★★★★★

5 out of 5 stars 

 Next book I'm going to review:
Phoenix Burning by Byrony Pearce (Blog Tour and Author Interview!)