"What happens in one life affects what happens in one life somewhere else"
SYNOPSIS
In the aftermath of a failed suicide, 17-year old Lee struggles to figure out what happens next. He strikes up a friendship with Nela that pushes him into revealing an awful truth about their teacher, Matt, that could either save Lee from his despair or drown them all. The play speaks to acceptance, identity, and survival in the face of gay bullying and LGBT suicide. We seek to understand what we owe each other, and what we can do to save more than ourselves.
This is a developmental production. In 2015 a reading of it was presented as a finalist in the Manhattan Theatre Works Newborn Festival in NY.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Venue: Theatre 810
Address: 810 Jefferson St., Lafayette, LA
Dates: June 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 2016 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 5 at 2:00 pm
This a a Jody L Powell Production, in partnership with The Plastic Theater of Lafayette. The play is directed by Jody L. Powell. Keith Dorwick is the Media Designer.
Not suitable for children under age 16.
TICKET INFORMATION
- Admission is $15/$12 for students and seniors 65+
- Tickets may be purchased at whywefall.eventbrite.com (once the link goes live). Reservations can be made by calling 337-484-0172. Credit cards are accepted at the door.
CAST
Lee Fielding - Cody Dunstan
Maura Fielding - Cara Hayden Bacque
Dan Fielding - Paul David
Nela Moore - Morgan Rae Harmon
Matt Strayer - Rick M. Manuel
IMPETUS
Bullying leads to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, both of which can contribute to suicidal thoughts. Specific groups have an increased risk of suicide, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth. This risk can be increased further when these youth are not supported by parents, peers, and schools. While there is no conclusive evidence yet that bullying causes suicide, the close association between being bullied and having suicidal thoughts means parents, teachers and administrators should closely monitor bullying behavior so they can put an end to it, and should watch known victims closely. Children, as well as adults, should be educated about the relationship between suicide and bullying, to help them understand (as bullies, as victims and as observers) that this is not a harmless behavior, but one with serious consequences. Opening up the conversation and trusting kids with this information will help, not harm.