To be Determined Theatre Co., is mounting a professional tour of A Permanent Solution after a successful local tour this past spring.
The Canadian play, written by Tom Slater, was performed in high schools across Wellington and Dufferin County with positive reception.
The story discusses issues of depression and suicide in teens. Although these topics are part of the Ontario curriculum, they can still be difficult subjects to teach in the classroom.
The Canadian Mental Health association says, “Canadian youth spend more time in school than anywhere else outside the home. Schools are often challenged to deal with youth mental health, but are seriously under equipped and inadequately supported to handle this responsibility.”
A Permanent Solution brings to light the struggles, impact and danger of letting mental health go unchecked in youth. It focuses on the resources that are available to students in school and seeks to help teens realize it is okay to speak up about these issues, whether it is for themselves or on behalf of friends. The production sheds both information and hope, which is why it works well as a disciplinary aide.
The play follows the lives of a group of friends dealing with issues involving depression and suicide. Lisa, a straight-A student with a bright future is struggling with issues from the past that have haunted her for years.
She has been dating her boyfriend Jason for three years, but he is unsure if he still committee to the relationship. Her best friend Dee, having dealt with mental health issues in the past, tries to be supportive while Brad, Jason’s best friend uses humour to help his friends and disguise his own struggles.
To be Determined Theatre Co., has put on youth-focused productions across Ontario in schools and at festivals, libraries and theatres. They believe the theatre is a powerful educational tool and are committed to offering accessible and engaging productions for schools throughout the province.
Each school they perform at receives an educational package in advance created by the Suicide Awareness Council, Canadian Mental Health Association and the Upper Grand District School Board. The in-school preparation that took place before the performances was very successful for students and staff.
To find out more about the production or to book a performance at your school, contact Alexandra Lent at 519-265-1768 or alent@tobedeterminedtheatre.ca. Tours are available Dec. 7 through 2015. They are also offering a free preview of the performance on Dec. 6 at 7pm in the Fox E.L. Theatre in Guelph. Book tickets in advance at www.tbdtheatre.com.
