'Tag': A Summary

Shake & Stirs production of “Tag”, dramatically captures the central aspects of cyber bullying and conveys then to the audience in an interesting manner. This production focuses on the idea of young teenagers using social media as a platform to be bullied, and to be the bully. The production graphically demonstrates that you don’t know whom you are talking to over the Internet in a sad, yet realistic performance. Also it shows how easy it is to bypass, so called ‘safe websites’ security systems. This eventually leads to a bitter and upsetting break of bonds between friends, and a reminder that nothing is ever deleted from the Internet. The modern day references and issues portrayed are familiar, and promote audience engagement and help to deliver

Suddenly, Ploughman storms on to stage fuming in his trademark slouched manner. He had discovered that Madison was actually pretending to be the gamer girl, who was supposedly in ‘love’ with him. This was not a surprise to the audience as Madison is portrayed to them as manipulating, disrespectful and had admitted it to Jared moments before. Madison explodes back at Ploughman stating that, “No one likes you… you have no friends”; Ploughman then turns to Jared and tells Madison that Jared is his friend, she then asks for confirmation and Jared stands there blankly. This is an intelligent directorial choice as it illustrates Jared as being surprised, because he is oblivious to the situation; but also implies guilt in Ploughman’s’ eyes. Jared is both innocent and guilty at the same time. This is the beginning of the bond between himself and Ploughman shattering. Ploughman is sent into a rage, and he storms of stage. Jared leaves soon after ploughman, but first tells Madison how it was wrong of her to do that. Ploughman plots revenge against Jared and Madison, because he is infuriated and feels betrayed and lonely. Ploughman types angrily away at his laptop, and then suddenly stops typing and smiles deviously; this releases tension as he then explains what he has done. He has hacked Snap chat and made the photos that were sent to and from Madison and Jared public. This demonstrates that nothing is ever-deleted form the Internet, and also that standing up for your friends is always important even if your social life is on