This excellent one man show explores the often overlooked insidious taunting and teasing that bullies are so adept at inflicting on their victims. Based on Susanne Gervay’s inspiring novel, I am Jack explores the journey of a smart, funny, 11 year old boy. Jack is being bullied at school and it is not long before the emotional pressure begins to build inside him. What starts as an off-the-cuff joke during a
handball competition soon turns into a set of circumstances whereby Jack is no longer safe in the school yard? As much as he wants to tell his Mom he can’t, for at home there is conflict of a different kind. Jack’s Mom’s boyfriend Rob is about to move in and Jack’s place in the household is about to be usurped. But help is on its way! With the use of self-expression through photography, Jack begins to
make sense of his world, of his relationships with others, and most importantly, with himself.
The work’s charm and humour has succeeded in delighting and informing young audiences. Jack takes us on a touching and sometimes comical journey as he moves from victim to victor. One actor
plays eleven characters, moving with ease between each one. I am Jack is based on the true story of author Susanne Gervay’s son, who at the age of 11 experienced being bullied. What is unique about this bullying themed show is that the character of Jack is just a normal, fun kid, not an outsider. The show explores how peer pressure can grow rapidly and intensively and peer pressure can take over.