‘Stop bullying’

The play was adapted by Doug Wilhelm and Lindsay Berdan from the internationally acclaimed novel of the same name by the American author Doug Wilhelm.

The Revealers is a realistic story with a powerful impact of raising awareness and changing the culture of bullying in schools.

It will help those who are being bullied to acquire the knowledge, courage and skills to stand up and speak out. It will also help bullies recognise the harm they are doing to others and themselves.

The play takes place in a school where bullying is part of everyday life. This until three desperate victims join forces and using typical teenager information channels such as the Internet, take a stand against the bullies.

These pupils try everything in their power to stop the bullying and as a result become the school heroes.

Director Francois Theron said, “Even in other areas where there might not be computers, Internet or cellphones, the message is of empowerment – using your voice until someone listens to you. We are empowering the children to use their voices.”

The lead character is Russel Trainer played by 23-year-old Gamelihle Bovana, a young adult who narrates a story about how he and three friends took a stand against bullying.

Bovana said the play highlighted an issue very close to his heart, as he too had been bullied at school. He said, “Many of these incidents are going unnoticed because victims are scared to speak out.

“You don’t have to stop the bully by attacking them [bullies] and being a bully yourself, you have a voice, you can speak out and tell your story. Whether it be to your teachers, friends or family. You have to tell someone until you are heard and something is done about it.”

The production will be touring high schools in Mamelodi, Soweto and surrounding areas until 7 March.

Details: www.nationalchildrenstheatre.org.za, 011 484 1577011 484 1577.