Review by Kristin Ramsey

This show has heart, and I commend Rob Salerno and Ten Foot Pole Theatre for putting this production on—the content is timely, challenging, and necessary.

It’s the first day back at school in Oshawa, Ontario after 14-year old Ollie killed himself. Ollie figure skated, sang, and was a big dreamer who believed that by being himself on the first day of high school and open about being gay, he could have a fresh start, make new friends, and share his zest for life; instead, he was tormented to tears, and ultimately took his own.

The school’s art teacher sets up a safe space after school for students to talk freely about Ollie and his death, and so begins Salerno’s one-man show on homophobia, bullying, and the cycle of victimization.

While the characters felt a bit one-dimensional—Salerno portrays the usual high school stereotypes: the nerd, the jock, the student class president, the freak—it was somewhat necessary in order to get through numerous perspectives in a one-hour show; without enough time to get to know each individual in-depth, having the immediately relatable stock characters worked. (And these personalities are, to varying degrees, still realities of high school.) Certain characters did feel more authentic, particularly Leyla, who was closest to Ollie, and Salerno’s portrayal of her mixed emotions of guilt, confusion, and sadness was powerful.

The show takes a look at what it means to be a perpetrator, a victim, a witness, and an authority figure, and brings to light the sobering reality of bullying, reminding viewers that it’s much more serious than Slurpee sloshing on Glee. A good point is made by one character in the performance: if this harassment happens to adults, it’s considered slander and assault, and treated as such. But what recourse exists for kids in schools? And how can we change this? While Salerno takes no sides and these questions are left unanswered, First Day Back offers a good starting point for these conversations. At times funny, at others heartbreaking, Salerno’s performance deserves your support, and with two shows left there’s just enough time.

Details and showtimes at the Vancouver Fringe Festival website.