When teens take center stage

Scrolling through Facebook the other day, when something made me stop.

It was a promo for a performance in late May at Twistid Arts Initiative, the fabulous nonprofit in Inverness run by Elisha Belden.

The performance is called “The Last Encore,” and what caught my immediate attention was its subject.

---

Teen depression. Suicide. Mental illness.

Elisha isn’t sugarcoating it. “This isn’t an easy watch,” she wrote.

Indeed, it isn’t. Which makes it perfect for Twistid Arts.

I admire so many people in our community, but the ones with my special affection are those who look out for the less fortunate, the addicted, the mentally depressed, and the lonely teenager.

Man, it’s so easy to get sucked into the fabric of life and be forgotten. To simply exist and not thrive.

Some adults, and Elisha is one of them, have the ability to reach teens. Get them to open up, express feelings in a healthy way, realize they’re unique and loved just as they are.

That’s where Twistid Arts is so effective.

My experience as a teen isn’t one I talk about much. I grew up quite thin and sickly, and was teased unmercifully by other kids. Bullied from junior high school through early high school, people terrified me.

Then, in 11th grade, I found myself in forensics. Not CSI forensics, but a form of theater. I’m telling ya, this shy kid performing in front of others altered my life significantly. I went from no confidence to a wee bit of confidence, just enough to sustain me.

From forensics in high school to Central Michigan University, where I was part of a weekly radio program called Kold Kut Revue, plus a little standup.

I then landed a 35-year career where I got to rat out bullies in the newspaper, and later, this blog. I cannot stand to see innocent people belittled, and that goes back to my teen years when it happened to me.

So, when Twistid Arts launches a production on teen depression and suicide, yeah, I’m on board.

Here’s the description:

“Three young adults gather beside the closed casket of their friend, confronting grief, trauma, and the silent battles that often go unseen. Told through powerful monologues and raw dialogue, this actor-driven production explores mental health, survival, and the cost of not asking for help.”

That’s Elisha in today’s photo with two performers, Gabi Young and Matthew Taylor. The third performer is Hailey Kell.

Elisha wrote the fictional script from conversations with teens who have come to appreciate their safe space at Twistid Arts. Kids let down their guard, say what’s really on their minds without adults butting in with grown-up advice. 

Teens don’t want people telling them what to do. They need the ear of a caring friend who will notice subtle differences in behavior enough to ask, “Are you all right?”

And then, ask it again: “Are you SURE you’re all right?”

Then quietly, a third time: “Hey…are you really OK?”

It's more than a theater production. A community conversation panel representing mental health, youth services, and family services will follow the opening and closing night performances. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the conversation.

This is good stuff, folks. This is what we’re always talking about, how SOMEBODY has to do SOMETHING for our kids. 

Well, guess what? These kids are doing something for us. They’re being vulnerable with their deepest souls. Yeah, it’s fiction…but not really, right?

Take one kid with lifeless eyes, introduce him to the arts, and watch what happens. He could become a blogger one day. Elisha has story after story about teens who now walk with confidence and purpose.

Performances are May 22-24, and May 29-30 at 7 p.m.; plus 2 p.m. matinee on May 24 and May 31. The theater is located at 208 W. Highland Blvd., Inverness. Click here for ticket info.

These kids have something to say. Let’s listen.

Have a great Thursday, friends.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page.

Enjoying the blog? Please consider supporting it at Venmo, PayPal, or Patreon.