Play about teen substance abuse to be followed by forum

Eight youths die each day in accidents related to alcohol

Think your teen is using drugs or alcohol? Do you drink around your teen?

The consequences could be devastating.

Join Theatre Orangeville March 5 at 7 p.m. for a public performance of Roseneath Theatre's Wrecked, a play about alcohol and substance abuse, and its impact on a boy, his family and teens at his school.

It will be at the Orangeville Opera House, at 87 Broadway in Orangeville.

This very special onenight only performance will be followed by a public forum at 8 p m.

Wrecked, an award-winning play, (from the producers of Danny - King of the Basement) aims to promote dialogue within the community by presenting two perspectives: teenagers as victims of parental alcohol abuse, and teenagers themselves as abusers. It is an engaging story that encourages dialogue at every level - communities, peer groups and families.

For this forum, Theatre Orangeville has gathered together a group of wellrespected professionals from the community who will offer insight, listen to and field questions from the audience.

One out of 10 teens begin consuming alcohol between the ages of 12 and 13. Teenage drunk driving is responsible for one out of four car accidents and is the main cause of death among teens 15 to 20 years of age.

"Bringing these issues to the surface and recognizing what is happening within our own community is so important," observed Dr. Jacqueline Duncan, chair of the evening's discussion panel. "Theatre is a reflection of life. So many people are affected by these issues, so many families. This show is a way to share some information, and be the first step for talking, or even the first step of a longer journey for some in the audience."

Canadian playwright Chris Craddock has said that the experiences of Wrecked - the casual use of drugs and alcohol by teenagers, as well as the turmoil when the adults are in the grips of addiction - are pulled from his own life and the lives of those he grew up with.

"I remember those weekend underage parties I attended in my youth were exhilarating - right up until the brushes with the law, the tragic accidents, the loss of control," he commented.

"We are so proud to present a show that will really resonate within the community," Nairn remarked. "It's great theatre and a great message. MADD statistics show that road crashes still remain the leading cause among death of teenagers, and 40 per cent of teenagers who are killed in road crashes have been drinking."

With keen insight into teen culture, Craddock has done a rare thing - he's created an engaging and provocative theatre experience about significant social issues that is funny, entertaining and accessible to teens without compromising the power of its educational agenda.

Bring your teens - bring their friends - bring your friends.

Tickets are $10. For more information, call the box office at (519) 942-3423 or go to www.theatreorangeville. ca