​26-02-2014: The revealers:An anti-bullying play

National Children’s Theatre (NCT) proudly presents The Revealers (An Anti-Bullying Play) adapted by Doug Wilhelm and Lindsay Berdan from the internationally acclaimed novel The Revealers by the American author Doug Wilhelm. Permission has been obtained from the Department of Education to present this powerful play and it is touring to high schools in Mamelodi, Soweto and surrounding areas until Friday 07 March 2014.
 
The production has been made possible by part of a grant of R3 million from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).
Bullying has become a severe and damaging school epidemic that is on the increase. Barbara Creecy MEC has stated that the true extent of bullying is under-reported because the victims fear further victimization. Schools too are guilty because they often try to contain the problem or conceal it to maintain their “perfect” record. This is the time to intervene.
 
The Revealers is a realistic story that is not judgmental or preachy. It has a powerful impact on raising awareness and changing the culture in schools. It will help those who are being bullied to acquire the knowledge, courage and skills to STAND UP AND SPEAK OUT. And at the same time it will help bullies recognize the harm they are doing to others – and themselves. It will also help bystanders to recognize that observing bullying in action is not acceptable, the need to be not BYSTANDERS, but UPSTANDERS!
 
This production is aimed at the teenage generation who understand the power bullies hold and who may experience physical aggression, threats, teasing and harassment. This unacceptable anti-social behaviour can be unlearned or – even better, prevented. We must work on anti-bullying programs and eliminate the damaging long term effects that bullying can have on those being bullied, and also stop teenage bullies from growing into aggressive adults.
 
This production takes place in a school where bullying is part of everyday life, until three desperate victims join forces and using typical teenager information channels, such as the internet, take a stand against the bullies. These ordinary students try everything in their power to stop the bullying and as a result become the school heroes. 
 
The production is directed by Francois Theron and the talented cast includes Devon Flemmer, Nomonde Matiwane, Taheera April, Shika Budhoo, Dhaveshan Govender, Brinsley Motsepe, Rhee Manganyi and Gamelihle Bovana
Johannesburg – Wednesday, 19 February, 2014
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit our website on www.nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za or Contact Sydwell Koopedi on 071 313 2483 / 011 484 1577 or sydwell@nctt.org.za