METH PLAY PUTS USERS IN SPOTLIGHT

New Production Takes Inside Look at Serious Drug Problems In City

Theatre has captured minds, tickled funny bones and torn at
heartstrings, and is now helping to build an understanding of B.C.'s
drug problems.

An interactive theatre production called Meth tries to discover
different solutions to crystal meth problems across the province. The
play is created and performed by people who have struggled with meth
addiction in the past, presented by Headlines Theatre and directed by
David Diamond.

"The play does not attempt to offer solutions, but instead aims to
ask questions and create dialogue," said Jen Cressey, publicist for
Headlines Theatre.

For the past 25 years Headlines Theatre has produced interactive
plays to help comprehend a variety of crises existing in B.C. They
are using alternative theatre to educate the public. Their previous
productions have dealt with the exploitation of youth, family
violence and bullying.

The play differs from normal theatre in its interactivity. It's shown
without interruption and then shown again to include audience
participation. When audience members see a character struggle, they
can yell "stop" and replace that character and attempt to solve the problem.

"The interactivity changes the way you watch it right off the bat.
You really have to investigate the dynamics of what's going on if you
want to be involved," said Cressey.

Sarah Slynn, a Langara arts and science student, agrees. Slynn
volunteers with the YouthCo AIDS Society theatre troupe, which uses
similar techniques to reach youth in theatre workshops around the
Lower Mainland.

"Interaction takes theatre to a whole new level so that it becomes
really personal," she said. "It's a really effective education tool
for conflict resolution."

A community workshop began last month with 20 people who have
struggled with meth addiction. Together they worked to uncover the
desires, fears and motivations of becoming an addict.

They used the workshop material as a springboard for the creation of
Meth, plus a cast of five of the workshop participants to perform.

The play opened last night to a sold out crowd at the Japanese Hall
in Vancouver. It shows until Dec. 3, then again from Dec. 7-10, seats
are sold by donations. Headline Theatre is also planning a tour across B.C.