‘PALS’ one-act play to address youth issue

BANGOR – Last year the Acadia Hospital and Penobscot Theatre teamed up to sponsor performances of Hermon High School’s award-winning one-act play, “PALS,” at the Bangor Opera House.

Each show was followed by a brief discussion of the play and the issues addressed. It was so well-received that the organizations are offering the play to high schools from April 27 to May 25 as an educational program.

Written by Falmouth playwright David Perkins, and directed by Penobscot Theatre’s producing artistic director, Mark Torres, “PALS” is an intimate look into the lives of three teenagers attending a New England high school.

Jack, Steve and Wendy find themselves confronting the issue of suicide, and through the power of friendship, find hope in choosing life over death.

The cast will be chosen in March.

“This is a very high quality piece of theater,” said Mark Torres. “Last year’s performances demonstrated the potential for this play to be the cornerstone in an educational program for teens that addresses youth suicide and other teen issues. We are excited to be working with the Acadia Hospital on this important project.”

The underlying theme of suicide and the pressures that face teens attracted the attention of the Acadia Hospital, which has sponsored the Speak Out for Kids youth wellness and suicide prevention campaign for nine years.

“Youth suicide is very difficult to discuss, yet we must encourage people to talk about it,” said Dottie Hill, chief executive officer of the Acadia Hospital. “We feel the play is an opportunity to educate teens, parents and teachers about youth suicide prevention and help raise awareness of warning signs and community resources.”

An important component to the production is the post-performance discussion and printed materials on youth suicide prevention that will be left with each school for its own use.

The program is available to any high school in the state at a reasonable fee thanks to financial support from the Auxiliary of Eastern Maine Medical Center, Bangor Noontime Rotary and the Michael Irons Memorial Endowment Fund.

For information or registration, call the Penobscot Theatre at 942-3333 or visit www.penobscottheatre.org or www.acadiahospital.org.