What is the project about?
Child sexual abuse has been taken more and more seriously and discussed openly these days. Unlike popular beliefs, the perpetrators are predominantly acquaintances, such as family members, including children's caregivers in daycare centers, schools, church, holiday camps, clubs, etc.
Parents should therefore assure their children that it is fine to explain what happens to them anytime under any circumstance.
It is important that crimes as such receive sincere attention so that they could be prevented. And the safety and well-being of all could be guaranteed.
The story
Nunu lives with her family in a small village, deep in the woods, named Tierbach, where the fir trees are always green. Animals in this village look after each other and are very welcoming. They know each other well and live happily and peacefully together. One day, they gather together for the preparation of Mama Rabbit's birthday celebration. At the moment, Nunu had to deal with an unpleasant situation. Would Nunu be able to say NO out loud?
The main character in our play “Rabbit NuNu” is gender-neutral, as child sexual abuse is not restricted to any gender.
About this project
The musical theater piece "Be brave to say no!" is presented by professional musicians and a children's choir. The present audience are also planned to participate in part of a scene.
The piece was first performed under the title “Your body belongs to you!” ("Dein Körper gehört Dir!") at the music conservatory Saar on 2022.09.27 as a closing exam of the Elementary Music Education study and was rewarded with very good success (rating: 13 out of 15 points). Prof. Dr. Michael Dartsch commented, "It would be worthwhile to perform the piece outside of the conservatory and really present the music and plot to children. Apart from the musical experience, it concerns an important issue."
Children learn best through playing and theater offers a wonderful opportunity to deliver important lessons: showing children how to set their own boundaries and respect the boundaries of others. And to demonstrate that sometimes it might be difficult to refuse others.
The aim of the project is not only to teach children how to say no, but also to support adults if they ever need to deal with this situation, without making them feel guilty or uncomfortable.
Through this play, the author wishes that many children would be inspired to set their own boundaries and be respectful to others’ boundaries. In addition, the author hopes that the children could gain the confidence to ask for help if they find themselves in such situations.
Together with the counseling centers NELE and Phoenix and the youth welfare office in Saarbrücken, this strong constellation strives for a joint dissemination of the essential message to our target audience in elementary schools and other institutions for young children.