I am the
Brother of Dragons
Our Claim to Fame!
Grades 6-12 The
issues: Substance Abuse, Chemical Dependency
 Sonny is facing the "dragon" of drug and
alcohol abuse and the whole family suffers. This intense
drama, based on real life stories, shatters the walls
of denial surrounding this disease and illuminates the
path to recovery. This classic play is updated annually
to remain pertinent to the youth culture.
Scene One:
Using the theatrical symbol of a mask,
Mom, Dad, Sonny, and Sis appear to be your "typical
all-American family", but as they pose as a "family
portrait," we see that they are hiding behind the
masks (pretense of a picture-perfect relationship) and
that denial reigns.
Scene Two
This family's problem with chemical dependency
is traced back to Dad's history. We see how the sickness
can be passed down from the older to the younger generation,
establishing a threatening cycle for the future.
Scene Three
We hear how alcoholism has affected the
family's relationships with each other, via Sis' writing
to an advice columnist.
 Scene Four
Sonny has developed an addiction to drugs
and alcohol. As his addiction grows, it starts to affect
various aspects of his life: family, school, and close
friendships.
Scene Five
A theatrical look at what it's really like
to be an addict, when your best friend is your dealer
and a fellow user. We see Sonny's descent from casual
user to a drug-dealing addict.
Scene Six
A dream
sequence where Sonny qualifies for a try at the grand prize: total
control over his mom and dad.
As he and his parents act out the struggle for control,
we see how each person is affected by the drastic changes
in Sonny and the shifting of control in the family.
Scene Seven
Sis' phone conversation with a friend signals the
passage of one year since Sonny's first involvement with
drugs and alcohol. The report offers a closer look at
how Sis deals with the changes that have occurred in her
relationship with Sonny, due to his increased chemical
dependency.
 Scene Eight
Sonny's drug addiction has reached a climax.
Drugs and alcohol have become the controlling force in
his life, making him a "walking chemical". This
stylized scene illustrates just how chemicals manipulate
Sonny's daily life. After Sonny collapses, Sis enters
and begs him to take her to her newspaper meeting. He
argues, but ends up taking her. After the exit, we hear
a siren.
Scene Nine
Mom and Dad are pacing in a hospital waiting
room. Sis is in critical condition. Mom confronts Sonny
about his addiction, giving him the choice of signing
up for treatment at a rehabilitation center, or leaving
their home.
Scene Ten
As part of Sonny's treatment, Mom and Dad
attend a family intervention meeting with him. As the
development and growth of Sonny's chemical dependency
is reviewed, the family discusses their feelings at the
different stages of his addiction. This scene marks a
crucial turning point in Sonny's progress towards recovery.
Family relationships begin to heal.
Scene Eleven
The family throws away the masks they had
used at the beginning of the play to hide their true feelings
and decides to rebuild their identity. They take responsibility
for their own actions and put the past behind them and
move toward restoration.
"Your group's presentation
of Dragons was the most important part of our program
last year." Director - Mon Valley Health Program
Bring a Saltworks play to your students
and watch them use their imagination to
resolve conflict, reach out for new healthy
relationships, and discover hope
for their lives!
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