An inspired labor of love written and directed by Brent Beerman, 22% Fear is a play based on actual bullying experiences from students at .
22% is the percentage of students going to school in fear according to a survey taken by the faculty.
At the premiere Thursday night, my reactions went from horror to hope as these bullying stories unfolded one after another performed in monologue, poetry, dance and music. Tales of an abused girlfriend, a homeless kid, a girl who hides, and a gay boy harassed were hard to hear. It was even harder to believe this could happen at this revered high school.
The production itself is superbly engrossing and fluid with the entire advanced drama department (36 students) participating.
In discussions after, Beerman mentioned that bullying throughout public school starts with teasing in elementary, becomes more pronounced in middle school and is full blown by high school. According to a survey, 11% at CV have experienced physical abuse.
The hopeful aspect is that these victims were given a voice and and as more come forward revealing their painful experiences to counselors, teachers, parents, the law is now on their side.
This Saturday the family of Ricky Huffines -- a CVHS graduate who was attacked and murdered outside a Las Vegas club, whose story was told in a letter read in this performance -- will be attending this Saturday as part of the healing process.
The next performance of .
