But there’s a catch. To be accepted by the Heathers, Sawyer must put on her “mean girl” pants, become a bully, and turn against those she once called friends.
Without spoiling the plot, someone is accidentally killed and the death is attributed to suicide.
For the Hong Kong cast – whose ages range from 13 to 18 – the stage offers a rare opportunity to broach a sensitive, but highly relevant, topic in the city.
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“It’s great to have creative outlets like this that approach serious issues such as bullying and suicide in a comfortable way while opening up conversations between parents, kids and, hopefully, the audience,” says Majken Krigsman, who plays Heather McNamara.
Discussion of these issues varies within the education system, depending on a school’s values, but it is always daunting to talk to teachers about them, adds Krigsman.
Considering Hong Kong’s depressingly high youth suicide rate, such conversations are much needed.
In 2021, the suicide rate among children under 15 hit a historic high, while in 2020 bullying at primary and secondary schools hit a 10-year high. In 2022, it was reported that cases of cyberbullying in Hong Kong schools had risen by 95 per cent over a four-year period.The government responded with a “zero tolerance” policy towards bullying in schools, dedicating HK$78 million (US$10 million) to anti-bullying programmes.
But stories of bullying and youth suicide – the two are often linked – continue to make headlines.
In April, a Hong Kong secondary school came under fire for downplaying a bullying case that is said to have led to the suicide of a 16-year-old student.
In the musical, the tone of levity does not diminish the impact of the chilling lyrics in songs such as “Yo Girl” and “Candy Store”, says Stephanie McNicol, who plays Sawyer.
Bullying at her school is taken seriously. “My school [West Island] not only talks about bullying but tries to find the causes of it, such as unconscious bias,” McNicol says, referring to the deep-seated prejudices people absorb because they live in deeply unequal societies.
Even before it opens, the musical is having a positive impact. “During rehearsals, some cast members opened up about their own experiences with bullying,” says Krigsman.
And the characters, she says, will resonate with the audience.
“They are so beautifully empathetic that you will recognise personal events, like those strange power imbalances with friends or a boy who didn’t know you existed.”
Director Julien Jacquin says the original plan was a music-focused gig until he “quickly realised it was much more”.
“We are not a theatre company but the students were good enough to make it happen,” he says, adding the performance provides valuable lessons about what life is like outside a school environment.
“I was a bit rebellious growing up, and didn’t really like school, but I understand how important it is because you need to live in this micro society before going into the real world of adulthood.”
Heathers, The Box, Freespace, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, May 13, 8pm; May 14, 3pm. Tickets: HK$450, HK$280.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services.
In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page.ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tK%2FMqWWcp51kuaqyxKyrsqSVZK6zwNJmmq6kpKq%2FpnvAq6uim5yafHR%2BkHJsaWhfnbyvs4ykpqefXaiwqbvOpapmoJGrsm6u1KWjsqGenHqxvs6bo56lXZiutMCMoZyarJiav7R5zK6qopuRoXqjrdKem2ZpaW2Fbq%2FUpatmnpmhum60zqmcZp%2BVqQ%3D%3D