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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin