A message from Mika Persad, Good day, I have followed your efforts to combat bullying. It is commendable to see todays youth take a stand for issues that impact their lives. Bullying has become a prevalent force across the globe. The anonymity of the internet has made this generation bold even beyond its cyber walls. It is no longer a phase that one will grow out of if left to his or her own devices. Nor a humorous anecdote that all concerned parties will chuckle over at the ten year reunion. It is a terminal affliction toted from the schoolyard to the office water cooler. It. Won’t. Let. Go. And the numbers that remain unaffected by it are few. “Bullying? Yes, I was bullied. I did feel out of place. I did know what it was like to be made fun of and to be afraid to go out in public... afraid to run into certain crowds. To not be able to trust or love freely. To always think negative thoughts out of fear and hurt. To play scenes in your head where you are the Hero and not the victim.” Lylah Persad of LP Entertainment Theatre is a successful voice talent, performer and director. And those are just a few of her achievements. Her many years in theatre provided an opportunity to learn the industry inside and out. And when opportunity knocks, Persad is quick to answer. She is as passionate about her craft as she is about her responsibility as a leader in the community. It wasnt enough to build a production company from the ground up. Persad wanted a company that would serve a purpose. She wanted a company that would act as a voice. “I know what it’s like to be afraid to speak up and out. I know what it’s like to have to bury all the hurt knowing that you will just be made fun of if you share. I became defensive, sarcastic and angry because that was MY defense mechanism. We may all have different experiences but the feelings are the same.” Depression, despair, anger, and fear are among the emotions felt by those who are bullied. Bullying is very isolating. Those who are bullied often feel alone. They feel uncomfortable discussing what is happening. Bullied children may cope by becoming bullies themselves. “How did I deal with it?! I wrote about it. I wrote the stories. I keep writing the stories. I didnt judge or hate people... well not for long anyway. I always knew I was better than that and that deep down in my heart I was a GOOD person, no matter what people made me out to be. I believed in me. It was a tedious, lonely process... sometimes still is. But it never made me quit. I found the good and LIVED there!” The story Persad has written this year is Once Upon A Toy Shop: “It’s an exciting new adventure, set in a toy shop where a wicked witch is planning to get rid of all the toys. The play focuses on bullying and friendships. The characters (Toy Soldier, Drake the Dragon, Jack in the Box, Monkey and others) will try to find this Witch to destroy her before she finds them first. This is until they find out the real reason behind her evil ways.” The story is a clever blend of poetry, music, comedy and conflict resolution. Its interactive platform makes it engaging. The costumes, designed by Fabrice Barker, add just the right touch of magic. The audience will find themselves mesmerized by this whimsical adventure. Persad has found a way to open the dialogue about bullying without being preachy or invasive. It is an invitation to explore the issue from a different angle and to join the conversation in a safe space. We have to get up and DO something. This is me doing something. I am an artist, producer, and writer. This is how I give back...not hoping to change minds but to spark interests and to allow others to see different perspectives.” Please join us as the toy shop comes to life on July 28th, 29th and 30th at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily at the Learning Resource Center UWI in St. Augustine. Advanced tickets are $60. Discounts apply for groups of twenty-five or more. Contact LP Entertainment at 729-4523 or 362-2838 for ticket information and bookings. If you are unable to attend, please share the event and encourage as many families to attend as possible. This message should be heard. Thank you for your time and consideration. Keep using your voice to effectuate change. You have a bright future ahead of you. Best regards, Mika Maharaj
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 22:24:26 +0000
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