Pubdate: Tue, 07 Nov 2006 Source: Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Ashcroft Cache Creek Journal Contact: http://www.ash-cache-journal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3157 PUBLIC INVITED TO FREE PRODUCTION OF CRANKED As part of CFDC Sun Country's Crystal Meth Awareness program, Green Thumb Theatre will be presenting the play "Cranked" on Thursday Nov. 24 at the Ashcroft Opera House. There is no admission fee: everyone is welcome to attend. The play starts at 7 pm. This newly commissioned play will examine the rising epidemic of crystal meth use by teens. Using spoken word and hip-hop, playwright Michael P. Northey and Green Thumb Theatre offer a dramatic exploration of addiction and the drug culture. Stan, a.k.a. "Definition", is a horror film buff and was a rising freestyle DJ when it all crashed. Stan has locked himself in his mom's basement as he preps for an upcoming freestyle competition without the crystal meth habit that dominated his previous life. His memories of the films, the meth highs and the rush of music all collide as he struggles to recapture his life. Green Thumb Theatre creates and produces plays that explore social issues relevant to the lives of children, youth and young adults. It provides theatre that celebrates the language and stories of today's generation and culture to stimulate empathy, debate and critical thinking. Green Thumb Theatre was founded in 1975 to develop original Canadian plays for young audiences. Since that time, Green Thumb has emerged as one of Canada's leading theatre companies for young people, producing excellent material for audiences and artists, and contributing to the growing body of work evolving in this field. Green Thumb demonstrates a new excitement and potential for children's theatre. After more than 30 years, Green Thumb Theatre is still at the forefront of the Theatre in Education movement, using the emotional impact of live performance to educate and empower young people. The actors challenge their audience to re-examine their beliefs and prejudices and to define their feelings and aspirations. Green Thumb believes that young Canadians face the same scope of issues, problems, concerns and interests that adults do; however, many young people are disempowered from effectively confronting difficult or complex situations, a result of societal, systemic or cultural beliefs and discriminations. As Canadian society diversifies it is more important than ever that people respect each other and each other's differences. Green Thumb Theatre explores contemporary issues with an emphasis on entertainment, enlightenment and education; issues such as: bullying, illiteracy, immigration, family relationships, substance abuse, self-esteem, environment, AIDS awareness, racism, mental health, native culture and problem gambling. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine