Like any mom, Mandy Tulloch knows about problems with bullying. Now, after writing and directing a play based on real life experiences of School District 43 students, she's making it her personal cause.
"Without sounding too dramatic, I've found it's actually changed my life," Tulloch said in an interview with The Tri-City News to promote The Bullying Games, which runs April 8 to 13 at Terry Fox Theatre.
Tulloch said the experience creating the play - from information gathered by Terry Fox students and working with a group of dedicated student actors - has inspired her to continue to tackle the topic through theatre.
"It will be a project of mine until I'm done. I've heard too many sad stories," she said.
Known for her award-winning as work as a writer, director and drama teacher, Tulloch said she has learned a lot from teachers, parents and students who have come forward to support the project. And after weeks of rehearsals, the cast of 40 students is about to bring the long-awaited project to the stage.
Expect more than a few surprises when the hour-plus production rolls out with a full set, lighting, costumes and makeup. The story is set in the future, when bullying is a competition, although Tulloch said there won't be any content young people can't handle.
The issues covered in the play are age-appropriate, she said, and are presented in a way that will keep the kids' attention. There will be music, dance and martial arts displays in the production, and opportunities for more discussion in the public performances.
"My mandate was to create something that was entertaining, educational, thought-provoking and [will] maintain students' focus," Tulloch said.
Another remarkable feat of The Bullying Games is that it's entirely self-funded. No taxpayers' dollars went into its creation. Fox teacher Dean Whitson said his leadership students, who commissioned the play, sold 3,600 pink "Love is Louder than Bullying" t-shirts to fund it. Ticket sales will also help cover the costs.
Now that it's about to be performed, Whitson said, "I think people are really curious to know what this play is all about."
The play will be performed in front of 3,000 students in Grades 1 to 12 in eight school performances. As well, three public showings will take place, although the April 13 black-tie gala - featuring Juno award nominee Shawn Hook and the Chilliwack band These Kids Wear Crowns - is sold out.
Tickets are still available for the Friday, April 12 performance at 7 p.m., which will also include a silent auction, and a 1 p.m. matinee on April 13. Tickets are available by emailing [email protected] or calling 604-941-5401.
