Pubdate: Fri, 01 Dec 2006
Source: Voice, The (CN BC Edu)
Copyright: 2006 Langara College
Contact:  http://www.langara.bc.ca/voice/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3592
Author: Ian Malinski

METH PLAY PUTS USERS IN SPOTLIGHT

New Production Takes Inside Look at Serious Drug Problems In City

Theatre has captured minds, tickled funny bones and torn at 
heartstrings, and is now helping to build an understanding of B.C.'s 
drug problems.

An interactive theatre production called Meth tries to discover 
different solutions to crystal meth problems across the province. The 
play is created and performed by people who have struggled with meth 
addiction in the past, presented by Headlines Theatre and directed by 
David Diamond.

"The play does not attempt to offer solutions, but instead aims to 
ask questions and create dialogue," said Jen Cressey, publicist for 
Headlines Theatre.

For the past 25 years Headlines Theatre has produced interactive 
plays to help comprehend a variety of crises existing in B.C. They 
are using alternative theatre to educate the public. Their previous 
productions have dealt with the exploitation of youth, family 
violence and bullying.

The play differs from normal theatre in its interactivity. It's shown 
without interruption and then shown again to include audience 
participation. When audience members see a character struggle, they 
can yell "stop" and replace that character and attempt to solve the problem.

"The interactivity changes the way you watch it right off the bat. 
You really have to investigate the dynamics of what's going on if you 
want to be involved," said Cressey.

Sarah Slynn, a Langara arts and science student, agrees. Slynn 
volunteers with the YouthCo AIDS Society theatre troupe, which uses 
similar techniques to reach youth in theatre workshops around the 
Lower Mainland.

"Interaction takes theatre to a whole new level so that it becomes 
really personal," she said. "It's a really effective education tool 
for conflict resolution."

A community workshop began last month with 20 people who have 
struggled with meth addiction. Together they worked to uncover the 
desires, fears and motivations of becoming an addict.

They used the workshop material as a springboard for the creation of 
Meth, plus a cast of five of the workshop participants to perform.

The play opened last night to a sold out crowd at the Japanese Hall 
in Vancouver. It shows until Dec. 3, then again from Dec. 7-10, seats 
are sold by donations. Headline Theatre is also planning a tour across B.C.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine