Art by Kids Speaks to Kids and More

This Thursday, June 23 at 7 p.m. IMP for Kids, the YMCA dance program and Joanne Cassidy’s vocal students are coming together to present an evening of entertainment and importance entitled Assertions: Kids Speak Out Through the Arts.

One could argue that all art is important, but this performance lends itself to a category all its own.

The subject is bullying. The venue is the performing arts center at the high school. And the avenue is a look at the subject via interviews with Island students talking about this very prevalent social issue.

IMP director Donna Swift approached the students with just one rule: They should speak honestly about the subject of bullying as it pertains to them, not what they think others (read adults) want to hear.

Ms. Swift then teamed up with Sandy Stone of the YMCA and Joanne Cassidy and along with their students created a theatrical experience based on the monologues put to dance and music. The evening promises to reveal in a most unique way how kids today cope with bullies, queen bees and group dynamics, not to mention what they think of workshops and education aimed at helping them.

In addition to the Island youth, several professional dancers from the Paul Taylor and the Pascal Rioult Dance Companies will perform.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids and are available at Tickets MV, the YMCA or at the door.

For more information, call Donna Swift at 508-939-9368 or Sandy Stone at 508-642-1170.

Thursday night will be the only performance.