“…As Dreamers Do”
This virtual
production is written by Eric Coble and directed by Marci Crowson (OCT’s
Artistic Director). It is a one-woman
show, performed and designed by Maya Caulfield (former student at OCT, now at
Stanford). There was only one
performance shown but, if you go to their website, www.octc.org , you might see if they have a link to it
and info on future performances of plays.
Blessed are the
dreamers…idealists…storytellers, for they should inherit the earth. But, truth be known, it is the anarchists,
realists and warriors that rule. The Ole
Guard seems unmovable. But Time is the Salvation
for those who still believe there is magic in the world and worth in earth’s
abundant, natural wonders. The Young are
watching, witnessing the fallacies of the old ways, and, I’m sure, will see to
it that things change dramatically for the Future.
This play, and its
storyteller, are an example of that change.
The story follows a few youths that are faced with the reality of what
the earth has become because of such atrocities committed against it, as told
by the animals that inhabit the land, that once was a “Paradise.” And, even more importantly, it is told
brilliantly by a storyteller that is vested in the dream, Caulfield.
Sitting at a table,
with only a few unrelated props, she creates th
e world for us of the Youth and
its original creatures. She is so
enthusiastic, animated and natural, that she gets one totally caught up in her
story…I can’t imagine anyone else telling it.
She was a talent in the making ten years ago when I cast her in a film,
Nightbumpers, through her last performance at Young Professionals (produced by
Educational Director, Dani Baldwin) in an outstanding performance in Orphans,
and now this. “May she live long and
prosper.”
This production is
also the best example of a virtual performance that I have seen, as it keeps it
simple, forces one to use their imagination, presents a moral dilemma and is
expertly performed, written and directed.
Although there is nothing like “Live” theatre, this is the best
substitute so far that I’ve encountered.
I look forward to their next presentation, and also, Caulfied’s. I highly recommend this show.
--DJS
