Staff Report
When a nude photograph of Scarlett goes viral, she becomes the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. The play “Girls Like That”, focuses on the consequences of living in the digital age but also has things to say about gender equality, friendships and the state of feminism. The play opens at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26, and will run for two weekends. All shows are free and open to the public. Seating is limited in the Dunn School Barn. Reserved seats can be arranged by emailing jhaig@dunnschool.org 24 hours before a performance. Doors will open fifteen-minutes before the show begins.
“This is a powerful and important story to tell at this time in our history. Although there is still a long way to go, we are naming realities about the way women are perceived and treated by society,” said Jillian Haig, director, Dunn School Theatre. “By exploring these challenging issues that are so true and relevant to the lives of our students, we hope to foster discussion and encourage empathy for all.”
Another layer explored in the show is around the use of technology and cyberbullying. The play is a must-see for adults, said Haig.
“This play portrays the reality for many students in middle and high schools across the country. Kids have always felt the need to fit in, but technology has exponentially upped the ante to create a complex social world,” Haig said.
She and the students involved hope the play is just a starting point for further dialogue and thinking about these topics.
Girls Like That, written by Evan Placey, was named Best Play for Young Audiences at the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards 2015. Due to strong language and mature themes, the show is recommended for teens age 13+ and their parents.
