A travelling theatre group that aims to educate young people about the dangers of alcohol has been banned from two Nelson high schools because of bad language and explicit themes in its performances.
The Theatre in Health Education Trust, which is funded by the Ministry of Health, is visiting some Nelson
schools at the moment presenting a play called Psst!.
Nelson College principal Salvi Gargiulo cancelled the performances after students in years 12 and 13 had seen it, and Waimea College cancelled the show before it arrived.
Mr Gargiulo said he became aware of language that he deemed inappropriate for younger boys after some teachers and several year 13 students expressed dismay that the play would be shown to year 10 boys.
"You don't need to take language down to the gutter to get a message across."
Waimea College principal Larry Ching said he cancelled yesterday's performances after hearing from other schools about the content and language in the play. He was most concerned about a scene that simulated a rape.
Theatre in Health Education Trust administrator Doug Robertson said school communities occasionally found the material offensive, and principals had a right to change their minds.
Artistic director Karen Elliot said she believed the use of the language and "sometimes discomfiting" scenarios helped to make it real for the young audience.
"We spend an awful lot of time working to education guidelines. We have to be as real as possible, and if we're not then it is seen that we don't know what we're talking about."
Motueka High School students in years 10 and 11 saw the performance and principal Rex Smith said he was "in two minds about it".
However, the group performed at several other colleges in the region, who supported the play and said it was effective in putting across a strong and positive message to young people.
Nayland College principal Charles Newton said it was well received by years 10, 11 and 12 students and contained a "pertinent" message.
Tapawera Area School principal Sandra Nicholls said feedback from teachers and students who saw the play was "really positive".
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Education
Related information and links
