The Passenger

A powerful youth theatre performance aimed at tackling road safety head-on has made a strong impression on students in the Nelson and Tasman regions.

The Passenger, performed by the Nelson Youth Theatre Company in collaboration with 51街射, has delivered an unforgettable message to over 1,300 students across six local secondary schools — highlighting not only the responsibility of drivers, but the vital role passengers play in making safe decisions on the road.

Act 1 - Context

Young drivers remain over-represented in New Zealand’s road trauma statistics. Those under 25 make up 22 percent of drivers involved in crashes - and tragically account for 25 percent of road deaths.

Senior Constable Mel Allen, from the Tasman Road Policing Team, said it was clear a different approach was needed.

“I didn’t want to just lecture students in a classroom - we’ve all done that countless times," she says.

"When I heard about yet another fatal crash involving young persons, I felt we needed to do something that would really make a difference.”

Mel discovered The Passenger, a hard-hitting UK-based play written by Michael Wicherek and originally performed by the Box Clever Theatre Company.

The story follows three young characters navigating the emotional fallout of a car crash, exposing the peer pressure, the consequences of risky driving, and the courage it takes to speak up.

Act 2 - Preparation

With permission secured to adapt the script locally, Mel approached the Nelson Youth Theatre Company, who immediately embraced the opportunity. The production was led by experienced director Richard Carruthers and performed by youth actors Joel Sangster, Johnny Dawkins and Maia Eagle.

“They loved the idea that theatre could influence young lives and potentially save them,” Mel says.

Over six months, the play was adapted for a New Zealand audience and shaped into a 45-minute performance. With a simple set and small cast, it focused entirely on connecting directly with its audience.

“They brought the story to life with incredible professionalism, energy and heart,” Mel says. “Each performance was not only polished and well-delivered, but also deeply emotional and powerfully engaging.”

 
From left: Nelson Youth Theatre Company actors Johnny Dawkins, Maia Eagle and Josh Sangster in performance at Nayland College.

Act 3 - Performance

The Passenger toured six high schools and there were two evening sessions for whānau, ensuring the message also reached parents, siblings and caregivers.

The stripped-back performance - built around a single couch - began with the energy of a teen love story but quickly shifted to a much deeper message: everyone in a car has the power to influence what happens next.

Director Richard Carruthers says the impact was immediate. “At the end of every performance it became clear through a unanimous show of hands that this message is being heard, understood and taken on board.”

 
The play begins with a love story but quickly morphs into an interactive performance about decision making, personal responsibility and consequences.

Act 4 - Impact

Mel says it was the relatability of the young cast that made the biggest impression on students.

“Because they were close in age to the students watching, the performance struck a real chord — creating moments of reflection, surprise, and, at times, silence that spoke volumes.”

The actors themselves were deeply moved by the experience.

“At first, it was just a script,” says one cast member. “But once we really got into it and understood the emotions behind the characters — especially The Passenger’s story — it started to hit hard.”

 
The audience get involved throughout the 45-minute performance - joining the cast in scenarios and sharing their own experience with road trauma.

Epilogue - The Future

Mel hopes to see The Passenger rolled out across other districts and is happy to support other regions wanting to bring it to their schools. 

Director Richard Carruthers is also committed to expanding the project.

“It wasn’t just a school project or a drama performance - it felt like we were part of something important. That’s why we honestly think this play should be performed in other regions too, not just here in Tasman.”

Mel echoed this sentiment.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to hear how the play sparked real conversations about road safety among students and families. Knowing that you may have changed someone’s thinking — or even saved a life — is incredibly powerful.”