Even though I’ve been retired from teaching for 8 years, I can still recall the thrill of watching young people pour their heart and soul into a project they truly believe in.
Such is the case with Mariposa Arts Theatre’s production of Canadian playwright Michaela Jeffery’s WROL (Without Rule of Law), now on stage at the Orillia Opera House in the intimate Studio Theatre.
Guided by co-directors Stevie Baker and Samantha Cole’s vision and insight, Jeffery’s story of five young people who investigate a hidden lair in the woods and believe they have stumbled upon proof of what happened to a mysterious local cult that vanished over a decade ago is handled with guts and determination.
While Jeffery’s script can call for older performers to play the twelve-thirteen year old characters, Baker and Cole took a risk and decided to cast actual 12-13-year-olds in the various roles. That’s a daring and bold move.
I say right on to Baker and Cole for taking chances and risks in the theatre. That’s what it’s all about.
The creative team used the intimacy of the Studio Theatre to the fullest, creating a visual delight in the filthy lair the young people discover, thanks to Wayne Lennox’s terrific-looking set design, Scenic Painter Leigh Rawlins, and Ingrid Janssen’s selection of a variety of dilapidated, broken props. My eyes scanned the set before the performance began, taking in as much as I could. The audience is immersed in the story immediately upon entering. Stations around the lobby ask people to imagine what it would be like if the world they know suddenly came to an end. What would they do? Sticky notes were provided so that people could place their answers on the wall at that station. Erin Hawke’s costumes are apt reminders of the clothing young people wear.
Although I enjoy attending musical theatre, it was thrilling to watch young people bring a play to life. Too often, young people believe and think musical theatre is the only way to go.
Not true at all.
I heartily applaud Chloe Davidson-Frustaci, Devon Giffen, Grayson Cooper, Stella Minges and Gemma Cox for giving their all to sustain a play’s pacing with determination. They are up-and-coming young performers whom I hope to see on stages in Toronto (and perhaps beyond) if they decide to continue developing their skills as performing artists. There is one area that all five will need to work on as performances continue this week: word enunciation. Make sure consonants are emphasized. There is slurring of words, and I missed important information about the story that is crucial for understanding.
Best to this cast and crew who are diligently working to bring live theatre to Orillia.
I hope they will continue to do so in the future.
Call the Orillia Opera House Box office (705) 326-8011 or online at: www.mariposaartstheatre.com/wrol to purchase tickets.
