By Alec Clayton
Olympia Family Theater education director Claribel Gross says, “We miss being in the theater and sharing live experiences. We are excited to find a variety of ways to still connect with our community.”
One of those ways to connect is with the audio play “Good Trouble,” a pop-up performance experience produced by Blindspot collective in San Diego to be presented one time only in person and masked at Capital Like Park. It can also be enjoyed from home via Zoom.
“Good Trouble” is a play with music, poetry, and the exact words of the Gen Z community organizers to explore how youth activism is changing the landscape of our nation. There will also be audience participation.
The title reflects the late John Lewis, who famously said, “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year; it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in some good trouble, necessary trouble.”
OFT founder Jen Ryle says, “The reason we wanted to collaborate on this national event has to do with our Youth Action Theater program that Claribel led in the fall and spring with some of our teen artists.” The fall program focused on climate change. The spring was focused on Earth Day. Students were getting ready to perform their show for friends and family in April, but before that the theater was forced to close because of the stay-home order which started March 16.
Ryle says, “Claribel initially sent me the ‘Good Trouble’ idea thinking we would just invite these youth actors. I thought the event seemed like it was worthwhile, and we should publicize even wider. The great thing is you can sign up for the free event and participate from home, or you can come to Heritage park with your device and headphones and participate together safely masked and socially distanced.
The audio play is recommended for ages 12 and up. Although there are no live performers, audiences nationwide will gather to experience the recorded performance together at the same time. Audiences are asked to provide their own headphones and a smartphone or equivalent device with an internet connection.
WHAT
Good Trouble, an audio play
WHEN
Noon, Sunday, Nov. 1
WHERE
Capital Lake Park, Olympia, or from your home
HOW MUCH
Free
LEARN MORE
(360) 570-1638