I experienced the aftermath of bullying today, and what it does to our clients.
Jose came in a few minutes late, absolutely shaken. "Hit the Road, Jack" was blasting from Steve's computer, so most of us were caught up with dancing and singing when he entered the gym. He was carrying a golden gift bag filled with tablecloths, tissue paper, and a framed certificate of achievement, yet to be penned in. I knew immediately that he had brought this in preparation for the 20th anniversary party and performance we will be having for Imagination Workshop, which is tentatively scheduled for the fall. Talk about excitement, he's about 4 months ahead of the rest of us. He stared at me with wide eyes and I knew something was wrong, but I assumed it was because he noticed Lisa wasn't there today. Last week she had the chance to attend class for the first time in a while, which was a great joy for everyone.
It is hard to understand Jose, because of both the language barrier and a speech impediment, but what I understood from him was that "two tall brothers" had grabbed him by the wrists, pushed him down and stuck their tongues out at him. Steve stopped the music and we convened in a circle so that Jose could share the story with the rest of the class. Tony knew exactly who he was talking about. Apparently there are two clients at the school who have been very aggressive for awhile now. I was relieved to find out that they were fellow students, and not just people off the street, but completely distressed as Jose (with help from Tony), explained how he was scared to come to school- and once had to get a shot to calm him down after an encounter. Steve tried to take him to the administrator so he could talk about the problem, but Jose said it would be no help.
My big sister instinct kicked in. What could I do to make this better? Obviously I didn't have the whole story, and other than talking to an Esperanza staff member, Steve and I have no control over that situation. So we did what we know how to do- have a good time. We've been working on one person shows. In the morning class, the actors pick out one costume piece and use it to create a character. This gives them a chance to stand alone on stage and really focus on using their imagination. Basically, we're giving them the chance to "own it." In the afternoon class, the actors are simply themselves, and we use the exercise as a check-in at the top of the class and a chance to work vocally.
When it was Jose's turn, he marched up to the stage. "ME, JOSE," he declared. And he pounded his chest. "MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE." And for the next 30 seconds or so, every single person in the audience chanted and cheered as we watched him flex his muscles, strike his best wrestling poses, and grunt and yell. Completely releasing.
Jose took a bow when he was finished. Brave and powerful, chest puffed, chin lifted, he left the stage and took a seat with the rest of us. I doubt he completely forgot the vulnerability of his experience with the bullies earlier that day, but in those brief moments on stage, he owned it. And believe me, standing on stage with no script and no specific action is a very hard thing to do.
tory.
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