Depression Dramatized By Teens For Teens
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS | Share
Del.icio.usHawaii Meth Project is partnering with Castle Performing Arts Center’s Castle DanceForce to present Dear Diary, a contemporary dance concert promoting awareness of teen depression, including causes of and ways to prevent it.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in Ron Bright Theater. The production is one of two full-stage dance concerts produced by Castle DanceForce this year.
“Our health class was in the midst of discussing teen issues like depression and stress - things teens go through day to day - and when our health teacher discussed with us what was going on, we thought it would be a great idea for a production,” said CPAC director Karen Meyer.
“It’s called Dear Diary because each dance number is preceded by a video, recording or a live actor speaking on a diary entry written from pure fiction to real-life recollections, and the performances will center around those themes.”
Meyer believes the impact of such a student-driven production will far surpass what can be taught in a classroom.
“When we (as adults) preach to teens about staying away from drugs,” she explained,“it doesn’t amount to a hill of beans compared to when one of their peers stands up and says something.”
Topics will cover issues ranging from Tourette syndrome to gender and sex issues, depression, drugs and even suicide. Due to the severity of some topics, it is not recommended for children under age 13.
“It’s been wonderful just for the students themselves to understand what their peers are going through as well; not just to have their parents and families understand,” Meyer said.
“As we know, teenagers have this idea that ‘Ah, I’ll be fine. It’s not going to happen to me,’ and some of our speakers’ messages are so powerful they make these kids realize the impact that expressing heavy-duty emotions through art can have.”
The program also features Hawaii Meth Project’s campaign slogan,“Not Even Once,” and demonstrates the dangers of crystal methamphetamines, or ice, and the devastating effects of this highly addictive drug, especially among teens.
“Almost 150 students will be involved, as this is part of the final grade for the dance department,” said Castle DanceForce director Natalie Jolly Uehara. “We opened it to the whole school though, and our main goal is to raise awareness of teenage depression. There will be a survey before and after the concert to determine if we have achieved that (goal).
“It’s a scary topic,” she admitted. “It’s the first time we’ve tackled something so strong, but I think it has the potential to have the most impact of any show we’ve put on at Castle.”
Tickets cost $7, and the show is open to mature audiences. For tickets, call 233-5626 or visit http://www.showtix4u.com.
Hawaii Meth Project also plans a community meeting at 6 p.m. May 27 at Hauula Community Center.
E-mail this story | Print this page | Comments (0) | Archive | RSS
Most Recent Comment(s):
