Youth-led play Balisong brings 'powerful' message about knife crime to Edinburgh schools

A “powerful” theatre play shedding light on the devastating effects of knife crime has been staged for thousands of pupils.

Leith-based charity Strange Town has welcomed pupils from 13 high schools across the capital to see its production Balisong.

The play, written by Scottish playwright Jennifer Adam, explores the consequences of carrying a knife through the story of a 15-year-old boy who brings a butterfly knife home after a school trip.

The tour comes amid growing concern about knife crime and youth violence in Edinburgh.

Police Scotland figures show crimes committed in a public place involving a knife rose by 29% between 2022/23 and 2024/25, from 178 offences to 250.

Originally commissioned by No Knives Better Lives in 2017, the play has returned to the stage to encourage young people to take action if they become aware that a pupil is carrying a knife.

‘Live theatre can be so impactful’

Pupils watching the play at the Traverse Theatre STV News

Artistic director Steve Small says it’s never been more important to raise awareness among young people.

“I think there’s an increase in anxiety, mental health issues, and young people are struggling, there’s no doubt about it. Knife crime is part of that.

“There’s an important bit in the play talking about the fact they’re in trouble because they knew about the knife and they don’t do anything about it.

“That’s something we’re trying to get across: if you know, you need to tell somebody. It can be somebody’s brother, sister, parent, teacher, but you need to tell somebody. ‘I know such and such has got a knife,’ or ‘people have said “I’m going to get so and so.”‘

“Live theatre can still change things. This ancient form of storytelling still works in the digital age. If anything, it’s more impactful.”

For S5 pupils at The Royal High School, it’s a topic that’s being spoken about more and more.

Natalie said: “One of the key things I took away was being able to tell someone. There’s always someone who will listen if you need a safe space to share.”

Dozens of children caught with knives across Scotland
iStock

Kirsty added: “None of my close friends have been affected or really worried, but it’s always in the back of our minds that it could happen to us, even though we’re not surrounded by people who carry knives. It’s a worry.”

“It’s good to show different situations and that it’s not always the one you expect,” Rachel said. “You never know who it could happen to. You need to be aware of what’s going on around you.”

The performances are part of a wider push to tackle youth knife crime in Edinburgh.

The Knife Angel project aims to bring communities together to raise awareness of the devastating impact of violence while encouraging prevention and positive action.

In Edinburgh, a 27-foot Knife Angel sculpture, created from 100,000 confiscated knives and blades, has been a focal point for the campaign.

For schools, social media appears to be creating one of the biggest challenges.

Pauline Walker, head teacher at The Royal High School, said: “It’s much more prevalent now. Our young people are accessing media that’s almost normalising violence. That is a real concern.

“We’re trying to intervene with families and young people, but it’s like holding back the water, there’s just so much out there.

“Young people aren’t necessarily telling us what they’re doing, but something has to be done to stop that happening.”

She says the bell-to-bell phone ban has been an important intervention.

“It’s helping prevent the flow of information, though it’s a difficult one to tackle.

“We’re worried about what is out there and glad some of the social media companies are beginning to take responsibility and look at how they manage this.”

One of the cast members is 19-year-old Kathryn Scott, who only left school herself two years ago.

She hopes the production will encourage young people to open up conversations about violence.

“So many have expressed previous experiences or know of people who have been concerned with situations such as the ones depicted in the play.

“If we can just reach one student and impact them, the job has been well done. You’ll definitely see students who seem genuinely moved and engaged by it.”

The production was originally toured throughout Scotland between 2017 and 2019 and has previously reached tens of thousands of young people.

Martin Hutchison from the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Tackling knife crime and youth violence requires a partnership approach, with prevention and early intervention at its heart. We are pleased to support the return of BALISONG to Edinburgh schools as part of the wider Knife Angel project

“Creative approaches can provide young people with a safe and engaging way to explore difficult issues, challenge perceptions and have conversations that might otherwise be difficult to start. Reaching pupils across 13 high schools gives this project an important opportunity to engage young people directly and encourage positive choices.

“We are grateful to Strange Town for the important work they continue to do with young people across Edinburgh and look forward to seeing the impact of this project.”