Essex County Teens Tackle ‘Sexual Shaming’ With Gutsy Theater Performance

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Using the power of courageous acting and a provocative script, a group of Essex County teens brought the issues of “slut-shaming” and sexual assault into the public sphere during a performance of “SLUT: The Play at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in South Orange last month.

Taking the stage before a sold-out audience, the actors portrayed the story of Joey, the central character, who is sexually assaulted by a group of boys she considers friends.

The National Council of Jewish Women’s Essex County Section produced the local performance of “Slut: The Play” with support from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, and said that the gutsy performance was intended to be a catalyst that would “start a dialogue about a culture that encourages girls to be sexual but then degrades them for it.”

According to NCJW/Essex Vice President of Advocacy Paula Green:

“The topics of slut-shaming, peer pressure and rape culture aren’t addressed nearly enough. We wanted to bring these issues to the forefront and offer our community an opportunity to see how these actions play out in real time through the eyes of a 16-year-old-girl.”

The production’s teenage actors agreed with Green.

“I initially joined the show because I love theater and acting,” said Jill Friedland, a senior at Livingston High School. “But being part of it has made me an activist. The play is so powerful; it’s been an eye-opening experience. Performing it as live theater creates an environment where the audience cannot escape the realities of rape culture by simply scrolling past it on social media.”

“The play allowed me to discuss things that are seen as taboo with a group of such brave and inspiring people,” said Sarah Gordin, another senior at Livingston High School. “As a group, the cast really bonded and became an ensemble as we worked on such important and difficult topics. I always considered myself a feminist, but after the rehearsal process I now consider myself an activist against sexual violence and slut shaming.”

“SLUT The Play implicates us all for the roles we play in a society that shames and blames women but it also emboldens us all to play a role in fostering a culture of consent, care and empathy,” emphasized Shari Harrison, President of NCJW/Essex. “Described as a call to action, the play is a reminder that rape culture is not just an issue in some other community, impacting someone else’s daughter, son, sister, brother or friend. Rather, it is happening everywhere and touching the lives of young people, even close to home.”

“We created a strong and safe community where we could explore these tough issues through conversation and theater,” explained director Joey Brenneman.

Co-chairs Myrna Wertheimer and Tara Heyderman, both of Livingston, commented on the unexpected effects of the production on the cast and the community.

“These young actors have learned that they have a voice when they witness sexism and slut shaming,” said Wertheimer.

“Hopefully the audience was moved to understand that they should never be bystanders,” Heyderman added.

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Photos: NCJW/Essex