From Oct. 23-25, Conard High School presented ‘Good Kids,’ a play that included topics such as sexual assault, and other similar themes. 

By Jennifer Schlichting. Photos by Hailey Craig

“Good Kids” is a play with a plot revolving around the events following a high school party where a young woman named Chloe is sexually assaulted after passing out after being too intoxicated.

The core of the play dissects the subsequent social turmoil resulting from social media discussions, and conflicting versions of the story that circulated among students. The play illustrates themes such as victim-blaming, rape culture, and the damaging influence of social dynamics and online platforms. 

“Good Kids” was presented at the Conard High School Black Box Theater. Photo credit: Hailey Craig

As Chloe struggled to process the events of the night, she learned a horrific detail that while she was being assaulted, the entire incident was live-streamed by the perpetrators. Simultaneously, she became the target of intense blame, many saying that it was her fault due to her clothing, implying that she “led him on,” or that her clothes were too “promiscuous.” The refusal to condemn the perpetrators (Connor, Ty, and Landon) was largely fueled by their skills on the football team.

The complexity of the situation is expanded though Tanner, a friend of the boys, who knew that the event was wrong and didn’t participate, yet chose to remain silent for about the entire event. 

“Good Kids” was presented at the Conard High School Black Box
Theater. Photo credit: Hailey Craig

Though this play is fictional, the themes repeated throughout are very realistic. The themes mentioned are victim blaming, community complicity, and the danger of a bystander which are all perpetually relevant.

The example of the public turning on Chloe is something that happens everyday, victims are blamed because of the connections held by their perpetrators. Rape victims are asked what they were wearing, what they were doing, et cetera. A victim’s actions and how they are dressed is not a valid excuse for sexual assault.

Another theme of importance is the danger of a bystander, just like Tanner. If Tanner had spoken up in that moment, or called someone, Chloe likely would not have been raped. Tragic events often happen when bystanders fail to intervene. There are countless instances, both major and minor. A horrific example of this would be the SEPTA train assault in Philadelphia in 2021 where a woman was sexually assaulted on a public transit. Horrifyingly, numerous passengers merely filmed the woman rather than stepping in or calling anyone, which demonstrates the devastating effects of the bystander effect, until one person boarded the train and immediately called 911.

“Good Kids” was presented at the Conard High School Black Box
Theater. Photo credit: Hailey Craig

The controversial topics of this play may be disturbing to some audiences, but they are entirely necessary to bring attention to the issues. 

When speaking to some audience members after the show, they all felt as if the young actors did a wonderful job bringing it together. One audience member emphasized how it was such a “moving and powerful play,” and I can’t help but agree. The emotion was truly felt from off the stage.

Audience member, Abigail Mari, mentioned how bold the play was, filled with charged language, and shocking statements, and yet  she continued, “Jonestly, I think that’s part of the reason I liked it. I didn’t expect our school, a high school, to put on a performance like that. The boldness of it truly made it more powerful and interesting to watch.” 

I am glad, and I’m sure many others are, as well, that Conard was permitted to take on this play in the first place. It’s important for school districts to allow students to bring up uncomfortable topics, get people talking. That’s how change begins. Congratulations to the Conard Black Box for putting together something truly wonderful, with such little time. 

The post-show speech given by Cat Boulton, who played Skyler, concluded the show with a critically important final call to action: “And lastly, if you are worried about yours or someone else’s safety don’t hesitate to reach out to someone, don’t be a bystander, it’s never wrong to help someone in need.” 

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