The Nationalist controversy.

Miss Pogson was rapped by two parents for distributing the radical magazine to young drama students. On Thursday night, parents were invited to a meeting to discuss the criticism.

"The parents didn't know what the problem was about. They were very supportive,'' said Miss Pogson.

She added more people had applied to join her drama group which is preparing for a summer production. Entitled "Youth Uprising'', it will feature budding actors aged nine to 19.

The Nationalist forms an "integral part'' of the play, which she is writing with her students. The play -- or road show -- will be performed around the Island on July 1, 7, 14 and 21.

"It is part of a trilogy,'' Miss Pogson explained.

Meanwhile, a Government backbencher is taking up one of the parent's protests about the distribution of the anti-establishment magazine.

St. George's South MP Richard Spurling will raise the complaint with Youth Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon.

But Miss Pogson, a founder of Black Box Performance Workshops, has strongly defended her actions.

She said the stage reflected life -- and The Nationalist was an example of current thinking of today's youth.

"It is study material,'' she explained.