PECI students ‘shine a light’ on domestic violence

The senior drama class at PECI helped ‘Shine a Light’ on domestic violence.

Members travelled to the Core Art Centre in Belleville with teacher Matthew Sheahan to perform an original collective creation entitled “Shine a Light.” The show focused on domestic abuse, gender stereotypes and the role of gender in society. It was part of a larger National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women ceremony remembering the victims of L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal.

“There weren’t many dry eyes in the room at the Core Art Centre,” said Sheahan. “The students received a standing ovation followed by a second standing ovation when they emerged from the back room at the conclusion of the name reading ceremony. Several attendees commended the students for tackling such a tough and touchy subject with confidence and maturity.

“When they walked out for some snacks and refreshments, they were met with a second round of applause,” he added. “Everyone who attended wanted a word with the students. It was definitely a moving performance.”

The students gave an encore performance Tuesday, Dec. 10 for Grade 9 students at PECI.

“The second show came about because of the overwhelming positive feedback from the original performance at the art centre in Belleville, and a desire to get the word out to teenagers that this type of behavior is not welcome or acceptable,” said Sheahan. “It was the kids who asked for the second performance. And when teens tell me there is something that they really want to do that’s an awesome experience for everyone involved, I try to make it happen.”

The students were enthralled.

“You can always tell when a high school audience is invested in a serious performance,” said Sheahan, “when you can hear a pin drop when it’s silent.”