Schools opt out of chance to see play dealing with drug addiction
13.05.2008 18:02
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
A play about crystal meth addiction drew mixed reaction in Fredericton, prompting some schools not to attend. Cranked is a production of Green Thumb Theatre of Vancouver and was supposed to play twice at the Fredericton Playhouse this week. "With every single breath, I be smoking crystal meth, what is happening to me, changing my reality," say some of the lyrics in the hip-hop-inspired musical. The main character, Stan, is a 17-year-old recovering crystal meth addict trying to get his hip-hop career back on track. The play depicts Stan's family problems, his difficulties at school, his rise to stardom and then his fall from grace as he becomes addicted to crystal meth. "It's very hard-hitting and it's very graphic in a way," said actor Kyle Cameron, who plays Stan. "It's dark and it's heavy and it doesn't really shy away from the issue." The play was booked at the Playhouse as part of a school series, said Tim Yerxa, executive director at the downtown theatre. The play was selected for its artistic merit, Yerxa said, and because it was believed its subject matter should be something that is talked about. Green Thumb also provides study guides and information sheets on crystal meth for students and teachers at the play. Bookings cancelledBut the theatre didn't get as many bookings as it expected, Yerxa said. The theatre had originally intended to have two times available for schools to bring their students to the play, Yerxa said, but cut it back to one because of the lack of interest and cancellations. Four schools did send their students to the first showing of the play on Monday. But many others that usually sign up for the school program did not and Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton signed up and then cancelled its booking, he said. Leo Hayes officials declined to comment to CBC News. Yerxa said the theatre was told the administration did not feel the content of the play would be appropriate for their students. Yerxa said he wouldn't have invited the theatre company to come to the capital city if he felt it was inappropriate for the school-aged audience. But he said he respected the school's decision. "That's a judgment call that everyone has to make," he said. "I mean, art is subjective and I guess some people — different people react differently." 'It just really hit home'McAdam High School students travelled 80 kilometres to Fredericton to see the play. Grade 10 student Brad Kilbride said the message of the play is clear — that crystal meth is dangerous. "It just really hit home that play on what it can do, like the guy fidgeting and all that," Kilbride said. Hollie Godbout said the play's use of music and rap made it engaging. "I thought it was more towards our age group and more understanding of it," Godbout said. Cranked is playing in Charlottetown on Tuesday and Wednesday before returning to New Brunswick to play in Riverview. It will then complete its tour in British Columbia. 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