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Theatre is a medium that holds the mirror up to nature and sometimes, as in the contemporary social drama, Good Kids by Naomi Iizuka being presented November 20-24 by East Stroudsburg University’s Theatre Department, the reflection reveals unsettling aspects of society.

Set at a Midwestern high school, in a world of Facebook and Twitter, smartphones and YouTube, Good Kids explores a casual sexual encounter gone wrong and its very public aftermath.

In the drama, something happened to Chloe after that party last Saturday night. Something she says she can’t remember. Something everybody is talking about. Who’s telling the truth?  Whose version of the story do you believe?  And what does that say about you?

“Good Kids tackles difficult issues—alcohol abuse, the dark side of social media and a rape culture that devalues women,” noted Susan P. O’Hearn, professor of theatre and director of the production. “As someone who works with young adults, these issues weigh heavily on my mind because everyone, female or male, is vulnerable.”

Cast member Gabriella Williams, a junior from Old Forge, Pa. majoring in theatre and communications, said that the drama “will open people’s eyes about what is considered rape, and the role that alcohol often plays.”

Williams explained that the characters in the play have normalized alcohol abuse as a way “to have fun, to socialize, and to be seen as an ‘adult’, but by drinking to excess they have no inhibitions and no control which never leads to anything good.”

“A lot of people overshare on social media,” said Marcell McKenzie, a senior majoring in musical theatre from Kunkletown Pa. “One push of a button and everyone has access to everything.”

“Many people aren’t aware of how easy it is to trace deleted items on social media,” added Jenna Worrell, a senior majoring in theatre and psychology from Philadelphia, Pa.

Worrell said, “One thing playwright Naomi Iizuka does is show that a story like this isn’t black and white, but that there are many factors involved. No one planned any of this and everyone has to deal with the consequences.”

“A key question in the play is how to define a ‘good kid’,” added McKenzie. “The girls say things that are just as vicious as the guys in the play. Everyone has good and bad qualities inside them.”

“I hope that the show starts conversations, especially at the high school and college levels,” Worrell added. “Victims of sexual assault need to learn that even though their life has changed, they are not alone and can get help and come out stronger. Everyone needs to think about the consequences of their own actions.”

Curtain times for the production are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (November 20-23) and 2 p.m. Sunday (November 24.) All performances are in the Smith-McFarland Theatre of the university’s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg.

After each performance there will be a talkback session facilitated by Lauren Peterson, executive director of Women’s Resources of Monroe County.

General admission is $12; senior citizens, faculty and staff (with ID) are $10; and students (with ID) are $7. Some people might find the contents of this play disturbing. This play is recommended for mature high school students and adults.

Tickets are available online in advance at esu.edu/theatretickets (credit cards only online). Remaining tickets are available at the box office one hour before curtain on performance dates (cash and checks only at the box office).

For reservations or other information, please email esuarts@esu.edu or call (570) 422-3759.