THE writer of a challenging play to be staged at the Harrow Arts Centre is to share her expertise with the next generation of wannabe writers.

Emily Nightingale's play "Blowback", which is presented by The Half Moon Young People's Theatre on October 11, is a dark and thoughtful production about race, love and responsibility. And the playwright, who formed her ideas through a series of drama sessions with school pupils, will be putting something back when she helps run a writing course for youngsters after the play has finished.

Emily, 34, said: "The idea came from a workshop I took part in called Careers in Theatre, where I worked with young people on several elements of theatre. My discussions with them threw up the same issues again and again, and the material that developed eventually turned into this play. I've been associated with the Half Moon for four years now but this is the first play that has gone on tour."

Directed by Mike King, the story follows 20-year-old Paul (Patrick Thornton) and his girlfriend Sufia (Babita Pohoomull), who try to comfort teenage mother Leah (Louise Leone) after her life is hit by unexpected tragedy. The title comes from the main character's use of marujiana, which intensfies his problems and anxieties in the play.

Emily added: "Blowback is a smoking term, but also a phrase that the CIA use for things that come back on you. One of the themes of the play is responsibility, and how if you neglect your responsibilities they can catch up with you in the end. The play does deal with the issue of drugs, but not in either a glamourising or a straight moralistic way."

Half Moon's six-week Script Writing Workshop begins on October 20 at the Harrow Arts Centre, Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, and runs every Thursday until November 24 from 5-7pm. It is aimed at 13-19 year olds and costs £10 for the series or £2 per session.

"Blowback" is performed on October 11 in the Centre's Travellers Studio, at 2pm and 7.30pm, lasting one hour. It is suitable for young people and adults over the age of 13. Tickets costs £10, with concessions at £6 and school groups £5 each.

For more information on both the play and the workshop, call the Harrow Arts Centre on 020 8428 0124.