Thursday, December 13, 2012

Mentally Challenged.

I like to think that the Imagination Workshop has developed it's own unique style of performance called a "mostly improvised play, with music." But, I'm sure that's nothing new. Last night we premiered (and closed) a brand new work called "Santa Is Coming." (A title loosely based off our last play which was called "Elvis Is Coming"). The title character in both shows was played by the same actor, who on his way out the door last night informed me that he couldn't wait to "be the Easter Bunny next year." I sense a theme. Waiting for someone with some sort of magical energy to show up and save the day. Ultimately, who doesn't want that? I know all I want for Christmas is lunch with Harry Potter. Alas! 

There are so many things out there in this world that are just... never going to happen. Maybe that's why we read books and watch movies and go to theatre. We're all just trying to fill a space that's missing something. One thing I love about the experience of the Imagination Workshop is it's magical quality. The ability to transport the audience to a time and place we'll NEVER get to see in real life simply because of who the actors are. I tell people about the work I do and they say, "Wow, that's great. I could never do that." It used to bother me, until a friend pointed out that coming to see a play with an ensemble comprised of developmentally disabled adults would make him feel uncomfortable. And then I remembered how I used to feel about this demographic until I stumbled into this work: uncomfortable.

Which makes me think: Who's really the mentally challenged one here? Because it looks like us "normally functioning" individuals at least have a choice. 

But isn't this why we have the theatre? Shouldn't the theatre be a tool for these kinds of rare experiences and interactions and stories? Shouldn't we learn from it and grow and all that stuff? This could turn into a discussion that last for days. Yes, it is a discussion that has been happening for years. And years. But I know one thing- my experiences with Still Point Theatre Collective have opened my heart and mind in ways I never thought possible. And my client's experiences with Still Point are very similar to mine in that aspect. At the end of the day, I just gotta be thankful for people who can show me what the world looks like through a different set of eyes- because it is simply fascinating.

tory.


2 comments:

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  2. Tory,

    I wish more people could have appreciated the ingenuity and positive energy you brought to your leadership of two Still Point Imagination Workshop programs — the first, the longstanding performing company at Esperanza Community Services, in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, where we worked together; and the second, the all-new workshop you established at Still Point's home venue in Ravenswood, a troupe that has already written, rehearsed and publicly performed two staged productions, as you have described delightfully above.

    Thank you for your generous spirit, Tory, and the many expressions of your loving heart. It's been an honor and a pleasure to make theater with you. As your own theater artistry spreads onto new stages, we Still-Pointers will look forward to working with you again, in the nearest possible future!

    From your friend and comrade, Steve Grossman

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