Once Upon a Toy Shop LP Entertainment Presents | Page 3

Bullying has become a prevalent force across the globe.
The anonymity of the internet has made this generation
bold even beyond its cyber walls. It is no longer a phase
that one will grow out of if left to his or her own devices.
Nor a humorous anecdote that all concerned parties will
chuckle over at the ten year reunion.
It is a terminal affliction toted from the schoolyard to the office
water cooler. It. Won’t. Let. Go. And the numbers that remain
unaffected by it are few.
“Bullying? Yes, I was bullied. I did feel out of place. I did know what it
was like to be made fun of and to be afraid to go out in public... afraid
to “run into” certain crowds. To not be able to trust or love freely. To
always think negative thoughts out of fear and hurt. To play scenes
in your head where you are the Hero and not the victim.”
Lylah Persad of LP Entertainment Theatre is a successful voice
talent, performer and director. And those are just a few of her
achievements. Her many years in theatre provided an opportunity
to learn the industry inside and out. And when opportunity knocks,
Persad is quick to answer. She is as passionate about her craft as
she is about her responsibility as a leader in the community. It
wasn’t enough to build a production company from the ground up.
Persad wanted a company that would serve a purpose. She wanted a
company that would act as a voice.
“I know what it’s like to be afraid to speak up and out. I know what
it’s like to have to bury all the hurt knowing that you will just be
made fun of if you share. I became defensive, sarcastic and angry
because that was MY defense mechanism. We may all have different
experiences but the feelings are the same.”
Depression, despair, anger, and fear are among the emotions felt
by those who are bullied. Bullying is very isolating. Those who are
bullied often feel alone. They feel uncomfortable discussing what is
happening. Bullied children may cope by becoming bullies themselves.

ONCE UPON A TOY SHOP

An LP Entertainment Production
Written and Directed by Lylah Persad