In a recent Canadian report, 41 per cent of students in grades 4 to 7 said they were victims of bullying and/or had bullied others. 

This February, Black Theatre Workshop brings this issue to light in its 2012 Black History Month School Tour production of New Canadian Kid by Dennis Foon. The play will be shown at schools throughout the month of February, with a public performance on February 25, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Concordia University’s F.C. Smith Auditorium.

One of the most staged Canadian productions in history, New Canadian Kid follows a young man named Nick who moves to Canada with his family from their native “Homeland”. He must learn to speak a new language – a clever “gibberish” spoken by his Canadian classmates. On Nick’s journey, he goes through many struggles – racism, trying to communicate, homesickness, and being bullied. But through it all, Nick perseveres, making new friends, and eventually coming to enjoy his new home.

For more than 20 years, Black Theatre Workshop celebrates Black History Month by touring plays to schools, libraries and community centres in and around Montreal.

The play is geared towards kids 5 and up. Tickets costs $10 (kids under 12, $6). To purchase tickets,  call (514) 932-1104 ext 226 or for more information go to www.blacktheatreworkshop.ca.