The Florida Repertory Theatreis a Southwest Florida Gem

Until last week, I wasn’t aware of the Florida Repertory Theatre and what of type of theater it is. I received some emails about an upcoming performance called “Bulletproof Backpack,” related to school shootings and security, which piqued my interest, so I attended their final performance in Fort Myers on August 15, 2021. 

I didn’t know where the theater was or what to expect, so I arrived early. As I drove nearby streets, my fear was not finding a parking place because they were all taken within walking distance, but I stumbled upon a large parking lot that was dedicated to patrons of the Repertory Theatre. Jackpot! The gatekeeper was congenial, helpful, and suggested places to have a bite to eat while waiting for the performance to begin. 

There are actually two street entrances into the location of this historic theater, one off each of two parallel streets, to the inside sidewalk, which is charming, plus there are some unique shops open. The Repertory Theatre entrance is unusual because of the degree of incline from sidewalk level into the actual theater.  My pre-purchased ticket was waiting, and a helpful usher escorted me to my seat.

The stage curtain was open and there was a stunning set design at the back of the stage which replicated the strategy of stacking chairs and desks against doors to classrooms to prevent unwelcome entry. These served as the backdrop to the rest of the play. It started when student actors entered the darkened stage and stood facing the audience in silence. Stunning.

With the previous school shootings across the country and devastating consequences, this is a most pertinent performance. The actors portrayed the fears that many of our students face every day when they pass through the doors of their schools, praying, beyond hoping, that there is not a disenfranchised student in their midst that will make a threat or reveal a concealed weapon and take revenge on innocent classmates or staff who may have done nothing to contribute to the isolation and anger that the perpetrator feels.

The performance depicts not only one student’s awareness of a “suspicious” behavior, but this suspicious observation leads to a chain of repercussions and contagious paranoia that have lasting effects. With each school shooting catastrophe in real life, more fear permeates the minds of students, and the contagion of those fears spreads to others, wondering” was the behavior I noticed a sign about something dangerously real or was it not, and what, if anything, do I do about it?”

The actors are superb, possibly because some have their experience in school during school shootings from their earlier years to the present. Their fear is palpable and although much of the audience can’t relate to their personal experiences and fears, there is a distinct tension created by these talented actors that permeates the theater. Actors and their roles are Cloe-Danica Murray, Yasmin-Tatum Bates, Troy-Wedler Lordeus, Nikki-Elizabeth Fleetham, Andy-Macy Magas, Sammy-Keehnon J. Jackson, Dillard-Bryce Hagen, Gabby-Violet Mann, Mr. Holgate-Zeke Bocklage and Officer Max-Cantrella Canady.

As a former teacher and Principal, I understand and am well aware of the anxiety that students experience since the advent of school massacres. The play’s dialogue and fear based on a student’s observation and the unknown motive are palpable. The torment of making accusations and being right or wrong are very real with students today. No one wants to make a statement that puts an innocent student’s behavior or life in the spotlight and forever condemned with a mistaken suspicion. And yet, no student wants to be the one that disregards a behavior that “might” be threatening; it’s a very difficult dilemma, and students are confused and conflicted.

This world premier by Playwright Eric Coble is captivating, with input from local Southwest Florida students/adults and conceived and directed by Kody C. Jones, a co-commission with Oregon Children’s Theatre, is a creative and thought–provoking collaboration, choreographed and directed with finesse and should be available to all Florida high schools. Dr. Laura Wright–Dramaturg, Brooke Arthur-Costume Designer, Tim Billman-Production Manager, Caycelynn Hoggard-Stage Manager, Drew Johnson-Technical Direction, Katie Lowe-Sound Designer, Rob Siler-Set/Lighting/Projection Designer, Chris Moeggenberg and Gaby Steinborn-Stage Managers and Joel Zishuk-Assistant Lighting Designer are highly-trained and experienced which contributes to this excellent production. 

The production staff also contributed their talents to this show including, Drew Johnson-Technical Director, Josh Schacht- Assistant Technical Director, Anthony Toney- Wardrobe Supervisor, Carpenter-Shellie Raleigh, Props-Miranda White/Brithany Hernandez, Dresser-Anna Collins, Run Crew-Emma Stevenson, Assistant Lighting Designer-Joel Zishuk and Scenic Painter- Julie McCracken.

The fact that “we” endured the Parkside High School shooting in Florida, makes it relevant. With the social/emotional issues that have also been exacerbated by the Covid viruses and other traumas, this stage play could be a source of positive connection for students and provide positive dialogue across Florida and beyond.

We should take advantage of all opportunities to assuage the traumas that our students, staff, and families have endured. By absorbing the messages from “Bulletproof Backpack” and passing them onward is a step in a positive direction.  It might be easier to put your head in the sand and “forget” school violence incidents or pretend they are fiction. However, the dialogue, intensity and honesty of this production is important to understanding, treatment, and future prevention of these violent episodes in our history.