Restless Youth
This topical drama is written by Naomi Iizuka and directed
by Beth Harper (Artistic Director for PAC).
It is playing at the Shoebox space, 2110 SE 10th Ave, through
April 29th. For more information, go to
their site at www.pac.edu or call
503-274-1717.
This is a timely issue for more than one reason. The Youth today have bravely set themselves
up against the NRA and its ilk in voicing, in the strongest way, concern for
the growing violence from users of guns to commit mass murders, especially
against Youth and in the schools. I
applaud them in the strongest way! Those
are the “good kids.” But there is a
darker side to Youth in this era and it is perpetrated against each other and
perpetuated by social media. Happy
bedmates they do not make (no pun intended).
One should remember that the Youth of today are the Adults
of tomorrow and this world will then be in their hands. We haven’t given them a very good example to
follow, that’s true, but they must know that they are Not their parents and
they have a right, a duty, to forge new pathways to a more compassionate
society/world.
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 girl 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
(Melissa Reeves), 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 (Amethyst
Stone), mother-bitch of the in crowd.
The affable quarterback of the team, Connor (James Savannah), surrounded
by his cronies, Ty (Samson Syharath),
who has a rocket in his pocket; Landon (Alex Albrecht), the media perpetrator;
and Tanner (Ricky Junior), the too-late hero.
Other friends and enablers consist of Kylie (Colleen Socha),
Skylar (Trishelle Love), Madison (Bianca Murillo),
Brianna (Jessica Kohl) and Daphne (Hannah Quigg). There is also a mysterious narrator, Deirdre
(Megan Haynes), of these events, in a wheelchair, but to tell you more would
spoil discoveries an audience should make.
I will say that part of her purpose is to make sure the facts are
straight, as one person’s perception of events may be another person’s
lies. The action takes place on an
essentially bare stage but we are always aware of the locations because of Harper’s
deft handling of the space and her exceptional cast, who she leads.
The cast, as alluded to, is quite amazing, with Reeves
standing out in a most complex and difficult role as the victim. Kudos to her, and all her cohorts! There are some excellent films of the past
that address these issues, too: Frank
Perry’s, “Last Summer” (hard to find), Jodie Foster’s award-winning performance
in “The Accused,” and Kurosawa’s award-winning film, “Rashomon.”
I highly recommend this production but be aware of the
sensitive subject matter. If you do
choose to see it, please tell them Dennis sent you.
--DJS
No comments:
Post a Comment