Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment
20/20 Parenting. Recognizing and mitigating early vulnerabilities and risk factors.
Kerry’s Journal
Reflections, Experiences, Shared Vision
November 9, 2006
From November 1st to 6th inclusive I was one of 20 workshop participants for Headlines (participatory) Theatre, the "soil-tilling" beginnings of their upcoming main-stage project METH, examining the root causes of addiction. When they first approached me several months ago, having found me through A Mother's Message a Vancouver Courier article covering our story, I lept at the chance to fulfill a lifelong desire: to participate in theatre one day.
I was quickly informed that this was not to be a rehearsal for a part in a play. Rather it was a workshop to provide real-life experiences with crystal meth, either personal or via a loved one (in my case the latter) from which the final play would be created. I knew that it would be emotionally difficult and exhausting, yet cathartic and personally healing. I maintained my enthusiasm and hoped I would be chosen out of 60 applicants as one of 20 participants, 6 of which would go on as cast members. Unfortunately I had to decline being considered for the cast due to other responsibilities with 20/20P.
I was delighted to receive notice of acceptance into the workshop, though a little apprehensive given the unchartered territory. However, the "work" was everything I'd hoped it would be and more. I met, learned from, and "played" with so many delightful individuals of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds, a true reflection of the reality of crystal meth infiltration throughout all of our society.
On the last day we were all given a taste of what participatory theatre is like. This is your chance, as an audience member, to step into a cast member's shoes to rewrite their part on the spot with the hope that as the other cast members must alter their parts to "play" with you, the ending will provide a safer place for all of the play's characters. This is problem solving at the grass root community level and has proven highly effective in bringing about positive change following other community issue-based Headlines productions. I can't wait to attend one of their Vancouver shows!
For more information please visit their METH website.
METH will also be touring British Columbia from January 15th to February 28th: 27 bookings so far!
Kerry Jackson
