The project drew on earlier writing by Harris over a period of 20 years which sought to represent in community theatre perceptions about immigration, Islam and the far-right in the UK, with a particular focus on the north-west of England. This is done by intercutting swiftly between parallel communities whose fears, loyalties and assumptions can be seen to have much in common.

The play needed to create understanding for each set of characters and to present convincing and recognisable behaviours, while also critiquing where these might lead. This was done in ways which could help them to understand extremism's origins and dangers for all communities. The research was constituted by the process of writing the play itself, which had to find an accessible contemporary form of theatre for school students from white and ethnic minority backgrounds which could dramatise potentially uncomfortable and divisive material for these audiences.

The play aimed to open up for discussion by young people and teachers a sensitive topic which can be difficult to approach in classes or other public forums – and it contributed to a public policy intervention in a serious social and political issue. The play had a significant impact through its widely seen performances by GW Theatre from 2008 onwards in UK schools and other community spaces.

Mike Harris's commissioned play From One Extreme to Another is about far-right and so-called 'Islamic' extremism.

Mike harris