A local theater venue is educating kids about Central New York’s illegal drug crisis through puppetry. The Redhouse Arts Center received grant money from opioid settlement funds through Onondaga County to create the play. They pitched the idea of a traveling play to local schools in order to reach young students about the dangers of drugs. Artistic Director Temar Underwood explains “Levi’s Relic” is tastefully presented by using age-appropriate metaphors and not mentioning types of drugs.
“So you're not going to see anyone with doing drugs in the show or talking about opioids, but it's about a fairy who breaks his wing and uses a relic. A magical substance to fix his wing and that sort of changes his behavior.”
The play’s colorful, attention getting characters include a bright green dragon. Redhouse Executive Director Franklin Fry says friends of the lead character notice he’s starting to act differently and then decide to take action.
“So they go on a journey to find who is a trusted source that they can ask questions of, who? Who can they talk to about because they want to help their friend but, they don’t know how.”
At the close of the 35 minute production, Fry says there’s an interactive discussion with students led by school educators.
“The kids also then get activity sheets that sort of reinforce some of these themes about… if you see something, say something; find a trusted adult who you can speak to who are trusted adults. We sort of lean towards the teachers, the educators, and the librarians in that aspect. And then materials are also sent home to the parents to say this is what your child saw in case they have questions, here's some additional backup information for you. And here are resources for you and your family should you need any of these types of resources.”
The Redhouse will perform “Levi’s Relic” at 30 different locations including an upcoming performance at the Redhouse. The performance venue is a supporter of WAER.