It’s a show that can help educate a city, says Chris Rabideau.

A two-time UWindsor grad, with degrees in education and drama, the director of Interrogation says the play’s production will make history.

Interrogation tells the story of a transgender teenager who has been the victim of a hate crime. Its script draws on the actual experiences of local high school students.

“Victims of crimes shared their stories,” says Rabideau. “Then we cast it with students from all over town.”

More than 5,000 Windsor and Essex County elementary and high school students will attend performances of the play, which is intended to be used as an educational tool and an instrument of change.

“Besides the play, youths from across the region will attend workshops to gain further education on creating positive spaces free from hate crimes and bullying, which they will take back to their schools to share,” Rabideau says.

The workshops are being run by teacher candidates from the Faculty of Education. It’s one of a number of partnerships in the project, which include Windsor Pride, Windsor Police Services, the Greater Essex District County School Board and Family Services Windsor.

“All these different organizations are coming together to make a change,” says Rabideau. “We’re moving forward as a city – Windsor is at the forefront.”

The public is invited to two performances at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts’ Chrysler Theatre, March 6 and 7. Tickets are $5 for students, $12 general admission – $20 including admission to an afterglow party Tuesday. For tickets and more information, contact Windsor Pride at 519-973-4656.