Pubdate: Fri, 13 Mar 2009
Source: Packet & Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009 Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.orilliapacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2397
Author: Nathan Taylor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PLAY HITS HOME

Anti-Drug Message Comes From Older Students

An adult telling youths to "just say no" to drugs is nothing new, and
the kids know it.

But that important message had a dramatically different effect on a
group of Grade 7 and 8 students Wednesday when it was delivered by
their high school peers.

For what was expected to be the final performance of their third
touring show, the Park Street Players were at Brechin Public School,
presenting Floating on a Don't Care Cloud.

The play focused on teens battling addiction -- both their own and
their loved ones'.

In the play, TJ desperately sought to connect with her brother, Jamie,
who had become distant and seemingly apathetic toward everything but
"the cloud" -- the various weed personalities that surrounded him.

When she discovered daily marijuana use was to blame, TJ hit one brick
wall after another on her search for help. Torn between her brother's
wellbeing and the fear of being labelled a snitch, TJ realized the
power of peer pressure.

The smoke and mirrors didn't come only from her peers, though. A
teacher and TJ's mom both showed hesitation and skepticism when
approached for help.

After tense run-ins with Jamie and his dealer, it ultimately took the
death of Mya, who TJ admired, for TJ to give her brother an ultimatum.

After Mya's overdose on methamphetamine, TJ asked Jamie to choose
either his sister or pot.

Jamie's choice was anyone's guess, as the proverbial curtain fell
before the audience got an answer. It was up to them to use their
imaginations. It also stimulated thoughts about making good decisions.

Park Street Collegiate Institute drama teacher Leanna Neal said the
performance and the message were well suited in many ways to that
specific audience.

"This play is not preachy. It's really real," she said. "The language
is relevant. The experience is relevant. The students can identify."

Brechin Public School principal Angie Pilon agreed, saying the play
delivered "an all-around good message for any age."

"They do it in such a dramatic way that is hooks our kids and they
listen," she said. "This is their peer group."

After the play, the Park Street Players held a "talkback session,"
giving the Brechin students the opportunity to comment or ask questions.

The elementary students are "just finishing their drug awareness
program," Neal added, "so a lot of teachers are having this as their
culminating event."

Rehearsals for the play started in November and the Park Street
Players hit the road at the beginning of the month.

Wednesday's show in Brechin was the group's 10th since March 2. They
have performed for students in Barrie, Orillia and Oro- Medonte Township.

The New York-based playwright, Lindsay Price, attended the March 6
show at Park Street. Professionals from the medical and addictions
fields have also joined the audience.

Neal said she was proud of her 17 students who took part in the show,
noting they doubled as crew members.

"They're extremely dedicated to their roles," she said.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin