Albany High School Theatre Ensemble tackles issue of suicide with Alizay's Diary revival

The Albany High School Theatre Ensemble will present the student-written Alizay’s Diary, a story about a high school student whoselife is touched when she finds the diary of a young girl who took her own life, from Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 at Albany High School.

The gripping drama, with touches of humor, made its world debut at Philip Livingston Magnet Academy in 2003. This year’s performances, which are under the direction of high school Theatre Ensemble Program Director Ward Dales, will be followed by a question-and-answer talk back with the audience on the topic of suicide. Dales will be joined on stage after each performance by representatives from The Samaritans Suicide Prevention Hotline and the Capital Region Chapter of the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide.

Mental health experts and trained crisis intervention counselors will be available to answer questions that audience members may have after seeing Alizay’s Diary. They will also educate the audience about suicide prevention – warning signs, support resources, and intervention methods. School social work staff will also be available during and after the performance to meet individually with audience members who need to talk to someone.

It is possible that a video of the show will be used as a training tool at the national level by the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide.

Alizay’s Diary is set in a modern day high school, and touches on the myriad choices and emotional experiences that high school students face every day. It also highlights the role that peers and adults can play in helping young people through difficult times.

“As painful as it can be, we need to discuss suicide,” Dales said. “We are presenting Alizay’s Diary, the talk-back and resources to dispel the destructive myth that talking about suicide promotes it.”

“We also want to provide valuable information about suicide prevention, make resources available for those who are feeling suicidal but feel they have no one to turn to, and offer resources for those coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide,” Dales added.

Evening performances will take place in the Albany High School auditorium from Thursday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 2, with a matinee on Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.

 Group tickets are available, and may be reserved by calling the show’s producer, Elyssa Papa, at 518-265-3038.