The project began in the fall of 2012 with a "Written Inquiry" posed by Samantha Fleishman. The aim was to provide an outlet for anyone to release their thoughts and lay down their burdens. This electronic, anonymous survey asked participants to talk about themselves and tell their story. Over the course of 6 months, Fleishman received 200 responses to her prompt. She spent the summer of 2013 reading and categorizing submissions. Fleishman's play, "Stop Requested", was inspired by the submissions, and her characters represent many of responses' recurring topics. The play is a collection of monologues and short scenes performed by a company of 18 actors. Included in the play are aspects of Verbatim Theater, with excerpts from every submission sent into the project and a live, original underscore written by youth musicians. Fleishman established a student-run advisory board, The Panel of Independent Performing Arts Representatives (PIPAR), to implement the project idea and produce the play. Stop Requested is supported by a wide variety of community participants including members of the School Superintendent, the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, ACMI and other local businesses. It is a multi-media, theatrical presentation that raises awareness about mental health and features AHS Students in all disciplines: artists, actors, musicians, lighting designers, and more. Plot Summary:
"Stop Requested" is a play about a stolen guitar case, some wild flowers, a crumpled painting and a bus. It is about an unlikely collection of strangers. "Stop Requested" is made up of monologues, short scenes, poetry and anthologies performed by an 18-member, company cast. It strives to present today's reality and the complexity of our minds. The play follows 10 characters throughout their typical Thursday and is set on a bus, with public transportation and its continued route allowing for the connection of individuals. The characters represent many of today's struggles. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the honest embodiment of vulnerability and the acknowledgment of life today. Shedding light on mental health and grief, "Stop Requested" allows for these ever-present topics to at last escape from the shadows.
