The power of the theater
Recently, I had the opportunity to be involved with some theater productions. I always forget how much I enjoy the arts until I get to experience them live. Since I usually do not get the opportunity to experience theater and visual art, I enjoy it so much whenever I get the chance. In addition, I love music so much! After I went to my first concert two years ago, I made a pack to go to as many concerts as I can. I think I am holding true to that promise.
Anyways, I participated in the Vagina Monologues for the second time this year. For anyone who does not know, the Vagina Monologues is a show written by Eve Ensler. It tells the stories of women’s real experiences with their vaginas. It was a lot of fun! Last year, I was in the show as the narrator. This year I was behind the scenes as stage manager. I enjoy participating in this show for a couple different reasons.
1. The People
Both years, we had the best staff, directors, and performers. With both groups, I learned something new. Whether that was from Sara, the best women center director ever, the amazing directors, or the other performers. There was always something happening.
2. Best Friend + New challenge = Amazing memories
I remember last year when my friend, Delaney, asked me to join. At first, I was like I do not know about that, because I have stage fright. She reassured me that it would be fine. Since it was short notice, I would just read it straight from the script, so I figured why not. She was right. It was truly an amazing experience! I am so glad that she pushed me to do it.
3. Donating to a worthy cause
One of the most amazing parts of the show is that we donate all the proceeds to Partnership. Partnership is a crisis service for families, children, and adults located in Chattanooga. Their mission is to stop the cycle of abuse and violence through the empowering of each person. All the money we raised through ticket and t-shirt sales is donated to their organization!
In addition, I had to see a play for my public speaking class. The fall school play was Luna Gale by Rebecca Gilman. This play contains several stories. It follows a case worker and her boss, a young couple with a baby, the young mom’s mother, the grandmother’s pastor, and a girl who was released from the system. The plot shows the different struggles of each character and how they deal with all the obstacles in their lives. It was one of the newest plays I have ever seen, premiering in 2015. Overall, it was a great play and all the actors were amazing. The play addresses a lot of controversial topics. These sensitive topics were approached in a way that put everything in perspective. Although sometimes the reality was hard to deal with, they were issues that not only needed to be addressed, but were combined in a way that made them real. The amazing acting in our version of the play allowed for all the emotions to come to life. It made for an excellent experience.
Overall, I enjoyed this weekend filled with theater, because I never get to see plays. Plays are so interesting and innovative. Anytime I am watching one, I find that I am completely indulged with every detail. As all the details come together, it makes everything real. This is not only an amazing ability of the arts, but an opportunity for each person that experiences it to escape to their creative places. I believe the arts are able to portray emotions in a way that other things cannot. It is important to support the arts, because it gives people a new and creative way to express the unimaginable. Plus, they always bring out the emotional sides of people. Coincidentally, one of items on my bucket list is to see a Broadway musical in New York, because everyone has to see one. It’s life changing! Hopefully, I can check that off my list very soon.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!