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.
