“My World & Welcome To It”
This searing, topical drama is written by Naomi lizuka and
directed by Tamara Carroll. It is
playing at the Y/P Studio, 1939 NE Sandy Blvd., through April 28th. For more information, go to their site at www.octc.org/yp-company
As I was talking to my friend, Dave, afterwards, as we were
high schooled in the early 60’s, the worst trouble we could get into then was
to be busted for drinking beer at a private party. Now, we have…well, you’ll see as you view
this play. And the one major element
missing from our world of yesteryear, to theirs of today—Social Media…it is the
new god in town. One dares not make an
independent move without being blessed by the electronic hordes out there on
Facebook and its many minions.
But there is hope for the Future, as groups of students are
vocally protesting gun violence and the corruption of our atmosphere. Now, if they can just short-circuit the
electronic conduits that control society and re-embrace a flesh & blood
world, we may have found a path forward through this maze of cyber worlds, to
the real one made up of human beings.
This
story is an ugly one, no doubt about it.
But one thing should be made very clear from the outset. Having sexual relations with a female without
their expressed permission/consent is wrong, is a crime, and is rape! No, wearing provocative clothing is not a
Yes, or permission, and anyone who takes advantage of a drunken or doped-up
lady, is the worst kind of villain and coward!
And what of those who stand by and do nothing, or watch from the
sidelines, as they pass on electronically and verbally, such an act? Aren’t they equally at fault?! I wonder how they justify such actions to
themselves?!
In
this compelling story by Iizuka, we have the victim, Chloe (Allyson Giard), who
has a major alcohol problem and doing all the right (or wrong) things to not
only attract the jocks of a rival high school football team, but also gains the
wrath of the “mean girls,” headed by Amber (Armita Azizi), mother-bitch of the
in-crowd. The affable quarterback of the
team, Connor (Jasper Warhus), surrounded by his cronies, Ty
(Emmett Ruthermich), who has a rocket in his pocket; Landon (Josh Bransford),
the media perpetrator; and Tanner (Django Boletus), the too-late hero.
Other
friends and enablers consist of Kylie (Kayia Shivers), Skyler (Morgan Demetre),
Madison (Makenna Markman), Brianna (Kate Daley) and Daphne (Zyla Zody). There is also a mysterious narrator, Dierdre
(Allison Parker), of these events, in a wheelchair, but to tell you about her,
or the interactions in the story, would spoil discoveries an audience should
make. I will say that part of Dierdre
purpose is to make sure the facts are straight, as one person’s perceptions of
events may be another person’s lies. Perhaps,
Truth is in the eye of the beholder.
Because
of the sensitive issues involved, this would be a difficult play to cast and
direct but Carroll has a sure hand in framing the events and has an amazing
cast, every one totally convincing! This
story has the ring of truth, so the author certainly knows from whence she
speaks. This play is not for those
easily offended, nor for very young children but definitely should be seen by
Junior High and High School Youth, as well as parents.
One
final note, much of the success of this program is due to the Education
Director and head of the Y/P program, Dani Baldwin. Also, she allows the plays that are presented
to be chosen by the class, as was this one, so know that this is what Youth
feel is important to be communicated to the world at large. Kudos to all involved!
I
highly recommend this play. If you do
choose to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.
--DJS
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