On January 24, 2011, the Smithfield High School Fine and Performing Arts Department presented “A Night of Dramatic Expression” with two KRA/South Hampton Roads Youth Employability & Success Program students, “Mr. B” and “Ms. B”, among the performers. In sync with January as “Bully Awareness Month”, their performances reflected issues that confront today’s youth…bullying, self-esteem/self-confidence, youth violence, etc. Mr. B’s scene, “The Letter”, was about 3 young friends and the unexpected changes that occur in their relationship. Reading from a letter written to his friends, his performance was excellent as he expressed his feelings and explained how important it is, as friends, to be open and honest with each other. Ms. B’s scene was entitled “Things Change”, and told the story of 3 young women struggling with loyalty in their friendship with each other. She beamed on stage as she transformed from a quiet and conscientious student to a bubbly, out-going “social butterfly” who played the role of mediator in the strained relationship between her 2 friends. The main performance of the evening, “Bang, Bang, You’re Dead”, was a touching story about the far-reaching effects of violence on families, friends, and the community in general.
