Until last week I was unfamiliar with the Florida Repertory Theater and its type of theater. I have received a few emails about an upcoming performance called “Bulletproof Backpack” related to school shootings and security that piqued my interest, so I attended its last performance in Fort Myers on August 15, 2021.
I didn’t know where the theater was or what to expect so I got there early. As I drove through the surrounding streets, I was scared of not finding a parking space as they were all within walking distance, but I stumbled across a large parking lot dedicated to the guests of the Repertory Theater. Jackpot! The doorman was personable, helpful, and suggested eating something while waiting for the performance to begin.
There are actually two street entrances to the location of this historic theater, one from each of the two parallel streets, to the inner sidewalk which is charming and there are some unique shops that are open. The entrance to the Repertory Theater is unusual due to the slope from the sidewalk into the theater proper. My pre-ordered ticket was waiting and a helpful usher escorted me to my seat.
The stage curtain was open and there was a stunning set at the back of the stage that mimicked the strategy of stacking chairs and desks against the classroom doors to prevent unwanted entry. These served as the backdrop for the rest of the piece. It started when student actors stepped onto the darkened stage and stood in silence facing the audience. Breathtaking.
Given the previous school shootings across the country and the devastating aftermath, this is a highly relevant achievement. The actors portrayed the fears many of our students face every day when they walk through the doors of their schools and pray, beyond the hope that there is no disenfranchised student in their midst to make a threat or reveal a hidden weapon and takes revenge on innocent classmates or co-workers who may have done nothing to add to the perpetrator’s isolation and anger.
Not only does the performance reveal a student’s awareness of “suspicious” behavior, but this suspicious observation leads to a chain of repercussions and contagious paranoia that have lasting effects. With every shooting disaster at school in real life, more fear pervades students’ minds, and the contagion of those fears spreads to others, wondering whether or not the behavior I noticed was a sign of something dangerously real, and what if anything? do I do this? “
The actors are excellent, perhaps because some of them have had school experience doing school shoots from the past to the present. Their fear is palpable and although much of the audience cannot identify with their personal experiences and fears, there is a distinct tension created by these talented actors that permeates the theater. Actors and their roles are Cloe-Danica Murray, Yasmin-Tatum Bates, Troy-Wedler Lordeus, Nikki-Elizabeth Fleetham, Andy-Macy Magas, Sammy-Keehnon J. Jackson, Dillard-Bryce Hagen, Gabby-Violet Mann, Mr. Holgate -Zeke Bocklage and officer Max-Cantrella Canady.
Before the show, grab a quick bite at The Lodge, with its themed setting.
As a former teacher and principal, I understand and am aware of the fear students have felt since the school massacre began. The dialogue and fear of the piece, based on a student’s observation and the unknown motif, are palpable. The agony of making accusations and being right or wrong is very real among students today. Nobody wants to make a statement that puts an innocent student’s behavior or life in the spotlight and is judged forever on false suspicions. Yet no student wants to be the one who disregards behavior that “maybe” could be threatening; It is a very difficult dilemma and students are confused and conflicted.
Captivating, with input from local students / adults from Southwest Florida and conceived and staged by Kody C. Jones, a co-commission of the Oregon Children’s Theater, this world premiere of playwright Eric Coble is a creative and thought-provoking collaboration, choreographed and staged Staged with finesse and should be available to all high schools in Florida. Dr. Laura Wright dramaturge, Brooke Arthur costume designer, Tim Billman production manager, Caycelynn Hoggard stage manager, Drew Johnson technical director, Katie Lowe sound designer, Rob Siler-Set / Lighting / Projection designer, Chris Moeggenberg and Gaby Steinborn-stage manager and Joel Zishuk-Assistant Lighting Designers are well trained and experienced what contributes to this excellent staging.
Production staff also contributed their talents to this show, including Drew Johnson – Technical Director, Josh Schacht – Assistant Technical Director, Anthony Toney – Wardrobe Supervisor, Carpenter-Shellie Raleigh, Props-Miranda White / Brithany Hernandez, Dresser-Anna Collins, Run Crew – Emma Stevenson, Assistant Lighting Designer – Joel Zishuk and Scenic Painter – Julie McCracken.
The fact that “we” survived the shooting at Parkside High School in Florida makes it relevant. Given the social / emotional issues also exacerbated by the Covid viruses and other trauma, this stage play could be a source of positive connections for students and enable positive dialogue across Florida and beyond.
We should take all opportunities to alleviate the trauma suffered by our students, co-workers, and families. Receiving and passing on the messages of “Bulletproof Backpack” is a step in a positive direction. It might be easier to bury your head in the sand and “forget” about incidents of violence at school or pretend they are fiction. However, the dialogue, intensity, and honesty of this production are important in understanding, treating, and preventing these violent episodes in our history in the future.
See similar https://www.coastalbreezenews.com/columnists/ruminations_from_the_rock_and_beyond/the-florida-repertory-theatreis-a-southwest-florida-gem/article_0a8903b4-05e4-11ec-a5cd-abfd25f0a012.html
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from Daily Florida Press https://dailyfloridapress.com/the-florida-repertory-theater-is-a-gem-in-southwest-florida-brooding-from-rock-beyond/
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