Susanne Gervay’s Website:
www.sgervay.com
Photos: Terry Moore
Kids Help Line
1800 55 1800
www.kidshelp.com.au
Review: The Herald, Newcastle 3/09
Review: The Book Chook 3/09 [Downlod PDF, 105kB]
Review: Lowdown Magazine 12/09 [Downlod PDF, 185kB]
I am Jack
Susanne Gervay's
Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry
Directed by Sandra Eldridge
Designed by Alice Lindstrom
Lighting Design by Luiz Pampolha
Sound Design Jeremy Silver
Dramaturge Caleb Lewis
Production Manager/Stage Manager 2008 Luke Cowling
Assistant Stage Manager 2008 Peta Dyce
Stage Manager 2009 Tour Peta Dyce
Assistant Stage Manager 2009 Broken Hill
Jonathon Valenzuela
Performed by Tim McGarry 2008 2009
The Story
I am Jack explores the journey of Jack, a smart, funny 11-year-old boy being badly bullied at school. This true story takes us on a touching and sometimes comical journey as Jack moves from victim to victor. This 55 minute one man show introduces audiences to the concept of a performer telling the story using physical and vocal transformation to create not only Jack but all the other characters in his world.
Using the metaphor of an island in the central design concept, Jack tells his story from what at first appears to be the confines of his bedroom. As he tells his tale, lighting and sound emphasize Jack’s emotional turmoil and create the shape and persona of the bully in his life. I am Jack was rigorously developed over an extended period throughout 2007 - 2008.
THE TOUR
I Am Jack toured NSW regional and rural and Sydney centres in 2008 culminating with a season at The Seymour Centre. In 2009 the production was the feature theatre work at the 2009 Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival in Queensland and continued on to play seasons at Orange Civic Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, The Crossing Theatre Narrabri, QUT Gardens Theatre Brisbane, Seymour Centre Sydney, The Q Theatre Penrith, Manning Entertainment Centre Taree, Albury Performing Arts Centre, Newcastle Civic Theatre and Riverside Theatres Parramatta.
This immensely popular sell out work will tour nationally to over 25 venues in 2011 with David Hynes playing the role of Jack.
Supported by:
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Feedback
A topic that affects a range of people, all over the world - bullying. It was a perfect interpretation that all members of the audience could relate to.
Student
A simple story with a big meaning.
Student
An excellent medium to demonstrate the effects of bullying to students and ways in which to deal effectively with bullying. The discussion with the audience at the end of the show was particularly engaging. Students were not only able to interact with the actor, but were also made to ponder the different perspectives of the characters and relate their experiences to their own. This is the second Monkey Baa show I've seen (also participated in workshop and performance of Hitler's Daughter a couple for years ago). Please come again!!
R H - Teacher Broken Hill
I'd highly recommend it to every school for yr 2- 6 students. In the finest tradition of the one person show Tim McGarry gave a stunningly good performance.
Adam Kronenberg Artistic Director Outback Theatre for Young People
A well produced play with brilliant and powerful acting.
Student
I never thought that a young boy’s world could be so complex and emotional; the sounds, the lights and the actor brought it to life in ways I could never imagine.
Student
Very good and my friends liked it ....
Student
We think that this show was absolutely AMAZING! The way that Tim played 11 characters was truly OUTSTANDING! As Tim was changing between characters we believed that he was the Nanna, or he was Jack's mum. This play sends a wonderful message about bullying and how to overcome it. We are looking forward to reading the book and doing a novel study on it in class. Thank you once again. We felt as though we were only watching for 15 minutes, not an hour as it was so engaging - MAGNIFICANT! Thank you so much....
5S Somerset College, Mudgeeraba
Both Monkey Baa’s I AM JACK performance and Susanne’s author sessions were a huge success. We’ll be keeping in touch with Monkey Baa regarding possibilities for the future, and of course, we’d love to have you back sometime!
Karen Mackie – Somerset Organiser
I was one of the boys that went to your show today at Somerset. It was a fantastic presentation. Your book is an amazing book about your son Jack. I have troubles telling my mum about being bullied but she won't listen to me so what should I do? I feel the same that jack did getting bullied so I feel sorry for jack. It must of been hard righting this book so thank you for sharing it with me.
Scott Bear The Southport School
Outstanding! Our 32 Year 7 boys were spellbound during the performance and were very disappointed when the after performance discussion with Tim and Susanne Gervay had to wind up (because the next session was due to begin). The performance sparked a terrific discussion about bullying etc and we were so impressed that we are investigating the possibility of I am Jack being performed at our School.
In my 29 years of teaching that was the most powerful and moving experience that dealt with bullying in an honest open yet sensitive manner.
Stewart Eglington.
Coordinator of Students and Staff
The Southport School - Preparatory School
I recently had the privilege of seeing I am Jack while on a visit to the Somerset Celebration of Literature. May I congratulate all of those involved in producing such a wonderful and inspiring play. It was amazing in every way. Many thanks.
Louise Clare, Whitsunday Anglican School
LINKS
National Coalition Against Bullying
www.ncab.org.au
Alanah And Madeline Foundation
www.amf.org.au
Order I am Jack by Susanne Gervay at Gleebooks Children’s Bookshop online.