Susanne Gervay’s Website:
www.sgervay.com
Photos: Terry Moore
Kids Help Line
1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au
Review: The Herald, Newcastle 3/09
Review: The Book Chook 3/09 [Downlod PDF, 105kB]
Review: Lowdown Magazine 12/09 [Downlod PDF, 185kB]
I am Jack
Susanne Gervay's
Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry
The Story | The Tour | Supporters | Feedback | Links | Order Book
Directed by Sandra Eldridge
Designed by Alice Lindstrom
Lighting Design by Luiz Pampolha
Sound Design Jeremy Silver
Dramaturge Caleb Lewis
Production Manager/Stage Manager 2008 Luke Cowling
Assistant Stage Manager 2008 Peta Dyce
Stage Manager 2009 Tour Peta Dyce
Assistant Stage Manager 2009 Broken Hill
Jonathon Valenzuela
Performed by Tim McGarry 2008 2009
The Story
Jack is a smart, funny, 11 year old boy who’s being badly bullied at school. What starts as an off the cuff joke during a handball comp, soon turns into a set of circumstances whereby Jack is no longer safe in the playground. But with the use of self expression through photography, Jack begins to make sense of his world; of his relationships with others, and most importantly, with himself.
This excellent one man show explores the often overlooked insidious taunting and teasing that bullies are so adept at inflicting on their victims and the roles that family and schools can play in responding to this topic. Jack takes us on a touching and sometimes comical journey as he moves from victim to victor.
THE TOUR
I Am Jack toured NSW regional and rural and Sydney centres in 2008 culminating with a season at The Seymour Centre. In 2009 the production was the feature theatre work at the 2009 Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival in Queensland and continued on to play seasons at Orange Civic Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, The Crossing Theatre Narrabri, QUT Gardens Theatre Brisbane, Seymour Centre Sydney, The Q Theatre Penrith, Manning Entertainment Centre Taree, Albury Performing Arts Centre, Newcastle Civic Theatre and Riverside Theatres Parramatta.
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Feedback
We think that this show was absolutely AMAZING! The way that Tim played 11 characters was truly OUTSTANDING! As Tim was changing between characters we believed that he was the Nanna, or he was Jack's mum. This play sends a wonderful message about bullying and how to overcome it. We are looking forward to reading the book and doing a novel study on it in class. Thank you once again. We felt as though we were only watching for 15 minutes, not an hour as it was so engaging - MAGNIFICANT! Thank you so much....
5S Somerset College, Mudgeeraba
An excellent medium to demonstrate the effects of bullying to students and ways in which to deal effectively with bullying. The discussion with the audience at the end of the show was particularly engaging. Students were not only able to interact with the actor, but were also made to ponder the different perspectives of the characters and relate their experiences to their own. This is the second Monkey Baa show I've seen (also participated in workshop and performance of Hitler's Daughter a couple for years ago). Please come again!!
R H - Teacher Broken Hill
I'd highly recommend it to every school for yr 2- 6 students. In the finest tradition of the one person show Tim McGarry gave a stunningly good performance.
Adam Kronenberg Artistic Director Outback Theatre for Young People
A well produced play with brilliant and powerful acting.
Student
I never thought that a young boy’s world could be so complex and emotional; the sounds, the lights and the actor brought it to life in ways I could never imagine.
Student
I was one of the boys that went to your show today at Somerset. It was a fantastic presentation. Your book is an amazing book about your son Jack. I have troubles telling my mum about being bullied but she won't listen to me so what should I do? I feel the same that jack did getting bullied so I feel sorry for jack. It must of been hard righting this book so thank you for sharing it with me.
Scott Bear The Southport School
A simple story with a big meaning.
Student
In my 29 years of teaching that was the most powerful and moving experience that dealt with bullying in an honest open yet sensitive manner.
Stewart Eglington.
Coordinator of Students and Staff
The Southport School - Preparatory School
I recently had the privilege of seeing I am Jack while on a visit to the Somerset Celebration of Literature. May I congratulate all of those involved in producing such a wonderful and inspiring play. It was amazing in every way. Many thanks.
Louise Clare, Whitsunday Anglican School
LINKS
National Coalition Against Bullying
www.ncab.org.au
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation
www.amf.org.au
Order Book
Order I am Jack by Susanne Gervay at Gleebooks Children’s Bookshop online.