Skin

Skin exposes audiences to contemporary race relations as seen through the eyes of four teenagers experiencing racial prejudice at their high school.  It is a poignant demonstration of the common need for respect and acceptance whatever one's ethnic background.

Each character in Skin faces different challenges due to their background.  Phiroza moved to Canada from India as a young child, but still gets bullied and is excluded by her peers.  Although born and raised in Canada, Karen is assumed to lack intelligence and an honest nature because of her family's aboriginal heritage.  Karen overcomes the unfair treatment she receives from her teacher, succeeding in her transfer from vocational to academic study despite his prediction that she will fail.

Tuan recently arrived in Canada as a Vietnamese refugee and works as a cleaner outside of school hours.  His hope to earn enough money to fund his parents' dream to join him and his sister in Canada are dashed when he is unjustly fired.  The strength of character that develops in Phiroza, Karen and Tuan is contrasted by the suicide of Lo, Tuan's friend and fellow Vietnamese refugee, who ultimately gives in to the pressure of feeling like an outsider.

Note: There are two versions of Skin - one based in Toronto, one in Vancouver - reflecting the ethnic makeup of immigrants in each respective area.  In the Toronto version, the character of Karen is replaced by Jennifer, whose father is Jamaican and whose mother is from Trinidad.  With permission from Green Thumb Theatre, characters may be adapted to suit regional demographics.

Runner-up for Governor-General's Award for Drama, 1988

Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Production for Young Audiences, 1986

Chalmers Play Awards, Outstanding Canadian Children's Play, 1986

Recommended Audience: For Teenagers

Themes

• Self Esteem
• Racism
• Cultural Diversity / Tolerance