The derelict lot behind the school, a concrete wasteland choked with weeds, was an unlikely stage for a profound exploration of juvenile delinquency, biodiversity, and the transformative power of theatre. It was here, amidst the discarded fast-food wrappers and broken glass, that 16-year-old Kenji, a student known for his rebellious streak and frequent clashes with authority, found a new voice. Kenji's involvement began as an act of defiance. Assigned community service for vandalism, he initially viewed the mandatory participation in a theatre project focused on environmental awareness as another tedious chore. The project, spearheaded by Ms. Sato, a passionate drama teacher and ardent conservationist, aimed to engage at-risk youth by using the neglected lot as a canvas for both performance and ecological restoration. Initially resistant, Kenji gradually found himself captivated. He learned to identify local flora and fauna, discovering a hidden ecosystem thriving amidst the urban decay. Ms. Sato's theatrical methods cleverly intertwined ecological lessons with discussions on social responsibility and the root causes of juvenile delinquency, fostering a sense of empathy and shared purpose among the participants. Kenji's character, initially a symbol of societal alienation, evolved as he helped transform the wasteland. He took ownership of a small plot, cultivating native plants and documenting their growth. This act of creation mirrored his own internal transformation. His performance as the protagonist of the play, a character grappling with anger and societal disillusionment, resonated deeply with his own struggles, allowing him to express unspoken emotions and confront his past actions. The final performance, held in the revitalized lot, was a testament to the power of collaborative art and environmental stewardship. The once-barren space, now teeming with life, served as a powerful backdrop for a story that spoke of redemption, community, and the interconnectedness of human society and the natural world. The play showcased not only the beauty of biodiversity but also the potential for positive transformation within even the most challenging of individuals. Kenji, his eyes reflecting the newly blossoming life around him, understood that his journey towards self-discovery was inextricably linked to the restoration of the neglected lot and the fragile ecosystem it now supported. The play’s success transcended its artistic merit; it offered a tangible demonstration of how artistic expression, environmental conservation, and social rehabilitation can converge to create positive change.
1. What was Kenji’s initial attitude towards the community service project?
2. How did Ms. Sato's approach to the project successfully engage at-risk youth?
3. What symbolic significance does the revitalized lot hold in the narrative?
4. Which of the following best describes the theme of the passage?