Reflections About School Violence from the Actors in “Bulletproof Backpack”

Sometimes, you attend a play, a concert or event and when it’s over, there’s a genuine appreciation for the experience, which fades over time and then becomes a distant memory. Not so with the world premiere of Bulletproof Backpack, by Eric Coble, conceived and directed by Kody C. Jones with contributions from local Southwest Florida students, some of which were in the production.

It was the personal thoughts and opinions of the actors that intrigued me, especially after they participated in research sessions, conversations and sharing their thoughts with each other as preliminary preparation for the roles they were to portray.

After the performance, the actors made themselves available for comments and questions from audience members and I took the opportunity to ask them their thoughts about school violence and what, in their opinion, would diminish this horrific problem.

Bryce Hagen, who portrayed Dillard, is a junior at the University of Florida. He said, “It’s important to start conversations about school violence, which is not an easy process. There will be no real change if you just expect it to go away, then you get nothing.”

Chloe, portrayed by Danika Murray stated, “Adults should be listening beyond just school districts, this is a national crisis. There are flaws in systems, gun violence needs to stop. We have a gun and healthcare crisis. It may take legislation to correct this.”

Wedler Lordeus, who was Troy in the production advised, “People need to be mindful and protect themselves because every day is not guaranteed; expect anything.” Wedler attends the University of Houston.

Elizabeth Fleetham, attending Florida Southern and who played Nikki, stated,” There should be more counselors in school; one counselor to several hundred students in middle school and high school is unconscionable.” She is seeing more mental health issues like depression, reactions to pressure and more panic attacks among her peers.”

Mr. Holgate, portrayed by Zeke Bocklage, suggested, “Cut back on monthly lockdown drills, more mental health is needed, community building is necessary and strategies like ‘No One Eats Alone’ could be expanded.” Also suggested were metal detectors, clear backpacks, and bulletproof backpacks.

Another actor, Macy Magas, who portrayed the younger sister, Andy, said that she always makes sure she knows where she is going and thinks it through beforehand. In the play, she explains how she tried fitting into cupboards in her classroom, so she’d have a place to hide, and, in reality, she has also tested the cabinets in her school. Her advice, “Don’t just think it might happen, take it seriously and be prepared.”

So, as a community, school district, county, and state, where do we go from here?