GVSU students to perform play about teen sexual assault

An upcoming theater production at Grand Valley will focus on teen sexual assault, and the consequences to the lives of victims, survivors, perpetrators and bystanders. 

Performances of "Good Kids" will take place November 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and November 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place in Louis Armstrong Theatre, located in the Performing Arts Center.

Dennis Henry, "Good Kids" director and visiting professor of theater, said the themes of the play are relevant to everyone.

"Education on this subject is vital," Henry said. "The cast is well educated in principles of consent and assault, but must explore the darker side of playing characters who don't know or don't care about what consent is."

Lindsey Normington, a junior majoring in communications studies and minoring in theater, plays the role of Chloe. Normington explained that the most challenging aspect of the play for her has been allowing herself to be completely vulnerable in front of her peers and an audience.

"Sexual assault is a theme I deal with constantly in my work with the GVSU anti-violence theater group, ReACT!, and it is an issue which has touched my own life personally," Normington said. "Getting into the headspace of my character requires a lot of strength and focus."

Normington said she hopes this play will provide a safe way to begin conversations about preventing assaults.

"People are reporting more often now, which is a step in the right direction," Normington said. "I think a lot of people are uncomfortable discussing the topic, but ignoring the subject and failing to educate ourselves on what assault looks like only fosters an environment in which these crimes are easier to get away with."

This play contains profanity and discusses sexuality, teen alcohol use, rape and sexual violence. "Good Kids" is not recommended for children.

Tickets for "Good Kids" are $12 for adults, $6 for students and $10 for alumni, faculty, staff and seniors. For more information, call the Louis Armstrong Box Office at (616) 331-2300, or visit gvsu.edu/theater.