In the first place

In the first place is a production from Insight Theatre, a program from Planned Parenthood that engages youth participants in a positive discussion of sexual health through theatre created by youth, for youth.

The show was a series of monologues on various “firsts” or the pressure to have experienced various firsts. The monologues are all decent and many are very good. They alternate between funny, awkward and moving in a great cadence, offing a diverse 60 minute show that truly did make me think about the turmoil of teenage sexuality.

The comedic parts of the show were hilarious. Insight has recruited several great comedic writers and actors, and there were two monologues that really had the crowd laughing.

Any show with a line like “What other option do you have when there is a girl screaming at your penis” is likely to offer a bit of comedic relief. The comedy was also a great entry point for a discussion of sex and sexuality, and I was struck by how well the comedic actors were able to deploy comedy as a vehicle for an important theme.

The show was highly personal and the actors were obviously laying a lot of themselves out in honest monologues outlining some really intimate topics. A few of the more dramatic monologues had great story telling and I did find myself getting lost in the honest and forthright narrative.

This show is extremely accessible and I think that both adult and youth audiences will take a lot away. I would caution audiences that there is some discussion of sexual assault and some complicated sexual themes that may be difficult for some people.

This isn’t a preachy show about sex. It’s a talented group of young people treating a complicated topic with the respect and intelligence (and humour) it deserves.

In the first place plays at the Bytown Museum on June 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28 and 29. All shows start at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10.