T-Shirt Theatre presents Kipuka: An Anti-Bullying Project (2018)

"T-Shirt Theatre presents Kipuka: An Anti-Bullying Project" is an anti-bullying project that addresses bullying, cyberbullying, and teen suicide prevention - written and performed by the students (aged 13-18) at T-Shirt Theatre, a performing company based in Farrington High School on Oahu, Hawaii. Their stories, which are performed live in front of over 1,200 of their peers in a packed Farrington High School auditorium, are drawn from personal life experiences and are 100% original. Their 2017-2018 performance of "Kipuka" takes on a variety of perspectives on bullying like cyber-bullying, self-bullying, being a bystander to bullying, confronting abusive relationships, and even taking the bully's perspective. Kipuka demonstrates how positive safe spaces and influences like family and community can help counteract the effects of bullying. Founded by George Kon and the late Walt Dulaney in 1985 at Farrington High School, T-Shirt Theatre has long been a kipuka itself for many generations of students, deep in the heart of Kalihi, Oahu. In the story, rehearsal, and performance process, the students are taught to rehearse for life - acquiring important life skills that they will be able to apply to life beyond the stage.