INTERNET gratification, temporary validation and the chance of permanent defamation are issues highlighted in a new play devised by students from The Actors’ Hub.

Directed by Hermione Gehle at the Subiaco Arts Centre this March, Not Me is a call to turn off iPads and iPhones, step back and get real.

The theatre-in-education piece has been designed to make upper school students aware – in an accessible way – of the issues surrounding truth and identity in their contemporary “iWorld” in an exploration of communication and disconnection.

“Not Me raises awareness of the pitfalls from too much dependence on social media and empowers audiences with insights to combat the many issues that are facing the youth of today,” Gehle said.

“I love theatre that tackles social issues – social media and technology are a part of everyone’s daily life and modern youth know a world where it is all pervasive.

“Giving young people a platform to present, discuss and investigate issues we can all relate to is empowering.”

Involved in theatre for 24 years, Gehle trained at the Actors College of Theatre and Television in New South Wales and recently completed a masters in directing at the WA Academy of Performing Arts.

In Sydney, she worked at the Stables and Side Track Theatres, Fox Studios, The Tap Gallery, Seymour Centre and also performed at The Opera House Studio while, in Perth, she has directed at WAAPA’s Enright Studio and the Blue Room Theatre.

With Not Me, Gehle said the challenge is to take a serious subject matter and make it entertaining.

“But it also needs to be provocative to help us find ways of challenging the normalisation of how we use this technology,” she said.

“The play looks at the thoughts, opinions, issues and concepts that plague our society today and the discussions prompted from that might help audiences face and deal with those situations.”

Not Me plays at 7.30pm March 26, 27 and 28. Tickets are $25, $20 concession – book on 6143 3568 or at www.actorshub.net under “what’s on”. School tours and extra shows can also be arranged.

The Subiaco Arts Centre is at 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco.