Pictured Matt (Beau Walter, above) and Luke (Calvin Marty, below) in The Wrestling Season.
In a unique and powerful mixture of acting and audience participation, the DePaul University Theatre School and the YWCA, Chicago, have joined forces in the production of The Wrestling Season, a play aimed at some of the issues confronting today's younger generation.
The play runs February 2-7 at the Athenaeum Studio Three, 2936 N. Southport at 7 p.m. and is free to the public. And besides featuring young actors who are serious about their craft and current students in the University's professional acting training program, the play is followed by a question and answer period facilitated by one of the actors.
Director John Jenkins says the themes presented in the play are meant to foster direct participation from the audience during the open discussion that follows.
'It's a play that is designed for teen audiences, but it really appeals to adults as well,' he said. 'It tackles some of the hard issues—challenges often associated with those coming of age. It's a piece about identity, rumor and the effect of rumor on people and their reputation, competition, sexual identity, behavior and aggression and gay-bashing. But what I really find encouraging about this piece is the period following the play when the audience can get involved. It's a part that is just as important as the play itself.'
The vision of the post-play forum was the brainchild of the playwright, Laurie Brooks, and according to Lauren Pretnaur, YWCA violence prevention educator, it's a great teaching tool. Pretnaur stars in the play as the referee and upon the suggestion of Jenkins, continues in her 'referee' role as the facilitator of the discussion that begins after the conclusion of the play.
'This was my break-out role as an actor, so I'm very excited,' she said. 'But what's most important for me is how effective this play is in educating people about violence prevention. It's a great play particularly in the way it handles so many important and complicated issues.'
Pretnaur said the YWCA is always looking for opportunities to get involved with more collaborative art forms that can educate children and young adults, so when her supervisor brought the play to her and offered it as a project, she jumped at the chance.
'We started working on this play about a year ago with John Jenkins,' she said. 'Since the summer the rehearsals have become quite intense. He brought so many great ideas to the table, like using the referee as the facilitator for the open discussion. And then, all of the performers in the play remain in character for the forum. It's a tremendous opportunity for us to partner with DePaul University where our mutual vision of bringing art and education together can be realized.'
'Working with a group like the YWCA that cares about the topics in the play is very important to me,' Jenkins added. 'And I am always looking for a good young adults' play. They are very difficult to find but this is one of the best.'
The actors are all between the ages of 20 and 22, so they aren't too far removed from the high school characters they portray.
Brooks uses the metaphor of a wrestling match to explore the many issues covered in the play. Matt (Beau Walter) anxiously awaits his year to shine on the wrestling team, but innuendo about his friendship with Luke (Calvin Marty) causes Matt to question himself and his priorities.
The play is supported in part by a grant from The Public Service Council and will be on tour in Chicago Public Schools through the beginning of March.