Far from the Heart challenges views on dating violence

On Tuesday, October 3, Grade 11s and 12s at BMLSS watched Far From the Heart, a play about sexual assault and dating violence. It starred four teenagers on the night of a big party -- illustrating signs of relationship abuse, and ending in a sexual assault.

The style of forum theatre presented the story first as a “problem play,” and later students were able to step into the scene and change the outcome as one of the characters.

After the show, students were involved in small group de-briefings with a counsellor. Some students felt the de-briefing was educational but mainly one-sided with the counsellor doing most of talking, as many found it an uncomfortable topic.

"We invited this group in to the school in response to feedback we had gathered from both staff and students last spring,” explained Mr. Willett. “This is a difficult issue to discuss, but not one that can be ignored. We wanted to ensure that students have a clear understanding of what consent is and we wanted students to discuss what a healthy relationship truly is.”

Some students found the play hard to watch. Others had concerns about the message.

Grade 12 student Sarah Z. felt that “for a topic that is extremely sensitive and traumatic, [it] left us with the message that [girls] must change the way we live our lives so that things like sexual assault don’t happen to us. What was supposed to raise awareness turned into multiple victim-blaming scenarios where students had the chance to make a ‘safer choice’ so that they would not be assaulted.”

Others still appreciated the message. Rachael McIntyre, Grade 11, said, “I thought it really showed how women are treated in those kinds of situations. It’s not about the dress--it’s about a change in mindset that’s needed, which can lead to a change in attitude and acceptance.”

Grade 11 student Hannah Smith said, “When you are in the situation, you sometimes don’t realize what’s happening at the time, but being able to watch the scenario in the presentation will help us to recognize and identify it.”

Another Grade 12 student, who asked to remain anonymous, said the show was “good because they put the situations into a real-life perspective. It was also good that when students had to leave in the presentation for personal reasons, the teachers and counsellors helped those students -- they were really there to support us.”

Connor M., another Grade 12 student, said he was concerned that the play would make girls distrust all boys. “I don't think that's a wise message to be spreading to high schools throughout Ontario.”

Mr. Willett said the performance generated important discussions. “We appreciate the feedback we have received from students since the performance and we will be providing the theatrical group with this feedback. As a result of this performance, our students have engaged in conversation about this sensitive issue with the support of our teaching staff and some of our community partners."