ARVIAT - A brave and talented group of young thespians tackled a difficult subject with a series of performances in Arviat this past week.

A counsellor was present during the John Arnalukjuak High School Drama Club's performances of The Bright Blue Mailbox Suicide Note in case any audience members affected by suicide in their lives were upset by the play.

The story revolves around Jake (performed by Grade 10 student Innosar Issakiark), who finds a suicide note in his mailbox.

He doesn't know who the note is from, or who it was intended for.

His friends speculate, joke and lose interest while Jake becomes obsessed.

He goes on a crusade to find the owner of the note, but stumbles upon a secret he never wanted to know.

The honest, straightforward and sometimes humorous play, written by Canadian Lindsay Price, explores how a group of teenagers publicly and privately deal with the issue of suicide.

With 43 suicides recorded in Nunavut during the past 17 months, and 320 since 1999, there are precious few in the territory who haven't been affected by it.

Issakiark said he didn't feel too much pressure in the lead role, but he was worried some people might get upset watching the play.

But, he said, it's time for the topic of suicide to be brought out in the open.

"I don't know why so many people have committed suicide in Arviat," said Issakiark.

"A few of my friends committed suicide and a lot of adults here did too, and it's time for it to stop.

"We did this play so people can talk about it, and that's what we have to start doing.

"Being quiet about it hasn't worked, and people feeling down need to know there's someone there to support them."

Issakiark said the play has a strong message and he hopes their performance encourages people to speak up.

He said the most challenging part of his role was his character's nightmare scene.

"That scene was really hard because there's a lot going on in it.

"The characters are all on stage wearing masks, speaking in ghostly voices and even speaking my thoughts.

"There were times I felt like I had become Jake, and a lot of people told me I didn't look the same when I was playing the role.

"It was awesome because it was like I became a new character or person when I was playing Jake."

Grade 10 student Sherilyn Sewoee played Jake's girlfriend, Karen.

Sewoee said she loves to act and wanted to be part of a play with such a strong message for people.

She describes Karen as being a healthy, caring girl, who loves Jake and wants to do the best she can for him.

"People have to learn to speak openly so they can understand why they feel the way they do," said Sewoee.

"When someone's thinking about suicide, they're only thinking about themselves and not what it will do to others.

"I wish everyone in the Kivalliq could see this play and understand what we're trying to do."

Sewoee said the entire cast saw a video on bullying produced by students Kindra Elson and Kelsie Searle of Menihek High School in Labrador City.

She said the video made her sad, but also happy because it offered hope.

"I tried to become Karen in the play and used things from my own life to help me, like remembering how I felt when people I knew committed suicide.

"I was sad, upset and lonely when one of my closest friends committed suicide.

"I couldn't do anything and every day became the same, just boring and depressing.

"At night, when I'm alone, I ask myself why didn't I do something before they committed suicide, but there was nothing I could do."

Grade 9 student Meagan Netser plays Lisa in The Bright Blue Mailbox Suicide Note.

Netser describes Lisa as a sharply-dressed but flaky girl, who comes across like she's from another world.

"It was fun playing Lisa because of all her fancy clothes and because she's a little bit of a ditz," said Netser.

"I was a little worried going into a play about suicide because a lot of people cry and stuff, but we have to open up and talk about it more.

"Everybody in the play is confident, and I think the entire cast does a good job in getting that message out.

"I would do this type of play again because it helps people talk about suicide more, and it might even, you know, get someone to talk to a counsellor or something."

For more on the play from director Gord Billard please see the July 15 edition of Kivalliq News.

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