‘eXpressions’ Youth Theater
At Barrett Hall March 26-31

The members of the "eXpressions" youth social theatre group project, which began work in January, will show their work the last week of March. Forty-one students from 11 schools, ages 12-18, who have come together every weekend for 10 weeks to create three scripts of what it means to be an adolescent today. Their work will culminate in a series of workshops and performances from March 26-31 at 7 p.m. at Barrett Hall in South Strafford.

Based on the idea that reflection and expression are necessary for healthy development, "eXpressions" offers this social theatre project that specifically delves into the real world of adolescents, exploring what they are really thinking, feeling, and experiencing as they enter and navigate adolescence. Adolescence is a time of enormous emotional, physical and social change and growth. It is rife with challenge and tension, yet it is a fantastically accessible and creative time, if given that opportunity.

"These students have created three dynamic scripts that honestly reflect and express who they are and what’s going on inside of them," says Kimberly Hackett. "This is not about good grades and accomplishment, it is about articulating what they are going through as their search for identity."

Themes addressed by the students in the scripts include what happens when you become an adolescent, the real world they live in (drugs and alcohol), relationships (sex), body image, peer pressure, friendship, aloneness, what they are moving away from and what they are moving towards, fear.

The scripts evolve from their writing and sharing. Each group has created and will perform their own 30-minute script for a workshop performance followed by an audience Q & A, which serves as a time of sharing and validation for students and education for adults. Performers in grades 7 and 8, will be showcased Monday, March 26; grades 9 and 10, Tuesday, March 27; and grades 11 and 12, Wednesday, March 28.

For the weekend performances, the three scripts will come together for an hour and a half performance showing the evolution of adolescence from ages 12-18. None of the groups have seen the other groups scripts until the Thursday before the Friday performance. Full-length performances will take place Friday and Saturday, March 30 and 31.

For reservations call Kimberly Hackett at 765-9634.

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