In a flashback scene, Kloe (Essence Jones) talks about the pains she has suffered in her young life in the MHS theater department's production of "Not Blind."

    The drama that unfolds in a current production by the theatre class at Meridian High School is unlike any tragedy performed on the school’s stage.

    Abuse, lying, jealousy, homosexuality, suicide, loneliness, murder, depression, sex, violence, drugs, rape – and yes, love – are among the emotions expressed in “Not Blind,” an awareness piece that puts the students’ thespian skills to test.

    Written by 2008 MHS graduate Mariah King and theater instructor Elizabeth Thomas, “Not Blind,” is an in-your-face look at domestic violence and suicide. The play’s premise: “Sometimes it takes one person closing their eyes to open the eyes of others.”

    “It’s easier for me to tell you how to fix your problems, than to fix my own,” Thomas said. “These things happen every day and people keep their mouths shut about it – they don’t want to talk about it because it’s such a taboo subject.”

    The play details the life of Kloe, who is abused by her boyfriend – later husband. She tries to hide her secret from her friends, however one is very aware of what’s going on. Flashbacks provide the audience clues about the character, as well as insight to the play’s tragic ending.

    A 45-minute version of “Not Blind” has been presented throughout the week to the school’s 1,700 students. Although edited for language and intense scenes, the play’s message was very clear to the teens.

    “It really has affected the students, some have broken down and cried and several have been prompted to speak to school counselors about their own situations,” Thomas said. “For it to be so short and such a powerful piece says a lot about the maturity of my actors.”

    The cast consists of the theater class’ seniors: Parris Boles, Kloe; Essence Jones, Kloe in flashback; Masidon Embrey, Piper; Reggie Cole, David; Taylor Thomas, Mandy; Tashiya Ward, Brandi; Chris Grace/John Griggs, Adam; and D’Jarrah Alexander, waiter.

    Students also serve as the crew, they are: Paige Bajus, Alex Ricks, Artis Ricks, Taylor Cross, Ebonea Pickett, Ashley Roberts, Ashley Reynolds, Shane Crosby, Tabitha Pike, Diego Pinto, Michelle Phehir and Joniqua Ward.

    “Not Blind” will be featured in competition at the North State Mississippi Theatre Association Festival at Mississippi State University in Starkville in December.

    “This will be our third year to compete, but our first time to do something this dark – we usually do comedies so this will be a change, a big change for us,” Thomas said.

    The unedited version of “Not Blind” will be presented Nov. 5-6 at the Angels Theatre.

Want to go?

     The unedited version of “Not Blind” will be presented Nov. 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. at Angels Theatre (St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1111 22nd Ave.)

    Tickets are $10; 10 percent of profits will go to The Emily Fund and 10 percent will go to Care Lodge.

    For more information, e-mail Elizabeth Thomas at zabe214@yahoo.com or call (601) 934-4475.