Free Opportunities for Youth to See Theatre That is "Relevant" to Their Experiences

The Relevant Stage, San Pedro's newest hot topic and resident theatre company will offer two free performances of their newest show, "Acts of Desperation" to students and educators at schools, and youth groups on January 31 and February 1, 2008 at 1:00 PM. Over 1000 students from San Pedro area schools as well as Long Beach and Los Angeles Unified School Districts will be attending.

This event will provide a unique look inside the minds of two desperate and troubled teens.

In the first story (Act 1) the audience meets through the testimonies of those who knew her, Dawn-Marie Wesley. Dawn-Marie was only 14 when she elected to end her life after being threatened and systematically bullied by three girls at her school. This is a true story. Excerpts from the award-winning documentary film on this subject titled "Rats & Bullies" are projected over the actor's heads and woven into a multimedia event that adapts McMillan's film for the stage. McMillan's film was also recognized by the prestigious Women-In-Film Film Finishing Fund. In addition to dramatic interpretation by actors, original modern dance pieces will be revealed by San Pedro City Ballet augmenting the story and emotion.

In the second story (Act 2) attendees will meet Josh as he sits in his jail cell. Josh is only a boy, but he went down a wrong path, a tangent, that cost 7 lives, those of his parents and five of his classmates. As he festers away, confined, his mind creates manifestations of his victims and they demand for him to tell them why he murdered them. Thus begins the play by William Mastrosimone, "Bang Bang You're Dead". Mastrosimone, a prolific writer, has scripted other contemporary classics of the theatre such as "The Woolgatherer", "Extremities", "Shivaree", "Cat's Paw", "The Afghan Women" and "Nanawatai". His most recent play is "Sleepwalk"; a story again focusing on the traumas of modern teenage society in the United States.

Both pieces show the myriad factors that play a integral part in the cumulative result, and how completely avoidable each act of desperation can be.

Artistic Director, Ray Buffer, explains his motivation for creating this conceptual piece in this way: "I believe there are issues out there that in the past many people have dealt with by sweeping them under the rug. Or saying 'kids will be kids', or 'that would never happen here...' Bullying, school shootings, teen suicide - these are all issues that while uncomfortable to face, need to be faced head on, pro-actively, not only after a tragedy. Ugly topics do not disappear when they are ignored - they simply fester. Our fear in discussing problems can be relieved, when someone steps up and says - let's explore our fears. That is what we are trying to do - explore... understand... and then, prevent".

Mastrosimone has said of his work, "Bang Bang You're Dead" that the play deals with a "broken world that's violent, unhealthy, unfair and beyond the power of anyone to fix except today's generation."

With "Acts of Desperation", The Relevant Stage not only gives youth an opportunity to experience stories that they can relate to, but also expose them, - many for the first time - to various art forms such as ballet, theater and documentary film, all in one fell swoop.

"The Warner Grand Theatre is a jewel." Buffer continues, "It has been standing firm for 76 years, and has a beautiful art deco design that truly amazes anyone who enters. Aside from being able to offer youth an opportunity to see this important work, it is a true pleasure to stage it in a real theatre." Buffer concludes, "many of these young people will have never stepped into a theatre like this one before - 1500 seats, a sister in design to the Pantages, beautifully restored by the community and the Grand Vision organization - it is an experience they will always remember."

A discussion period will follow both free weekday matinée performances.

Some space is still available for additional schools to attend, but seats are filling up fast. To take advantage of this free opportunity to attend, schools are encouraged to contact 310/929-8129 or email: education@therelevantstage.com

The Relevant Stage at Warner Grand Theatre
478 W. 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

The Relevant Stage is a non-profit theatre company dedicated to presenting works that engage minds and challenge hearts by exposing relevant social issues through stimulating entertainment. The Relevant Stage appreciates the kind support of The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and its official media sponsor for its 2008 Season, San Pedro Magazine and Long Beach Press Telegram. The Warner Grand Theatre is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

This release was published on openPR.