"Experience the Oil Spill"

Last night my roommate and I went to the made performance that the Guthrie Experience actors and Marcela Lorca put together on the Dowling Studio stage. The subject of the drama was the oil spill down in the gulf, the effect it is having on the people there, the effect it is having on BP, the effect it is having on the wildlife, and the effect these large events have on the rest of the country's views and social opinions. It was a wonderful experience to see this production that was made by these actors and showed their opinion of what has happened along with their extensive research they did about the effects. There were a lot of really beautiful artistic moments like underwater scenes showing the fish being attacked by the black mess. There were also some very funny parts such as all the actors portraying celebritites singing a song to "help" with the cause. The spoofs were great and made the audience laugh, then think about what was really said. There were also dramatic elements such as a woman who had lost her husband in the initial explosion of the oil rig and her suffering that he is still in the ocean. It really got me thinking about the meaning of theater...is it to entertain or to make a statement? I can see that there are some theater productions that are solely put out there for entertainment purposes, but doesn't every human experience get you thinking about yourself and how it effects you? It sounds kind of selfish, but I feel that we spend a lot of time thinking about how things effect ourselves. That is why I believe all theater makes a statement. In this production, I believe the question raised is: what is my part in this oil spill crisis?

I also want to commend the Guthrie Experience actors...they are extremely talented and creative and that was showcased in this production. Thank you for your efforts and for being at the Guthrie Theater for you experience this summer. It was much enjoyed by all of us and I'm sure by you! God bless you in your future ventures!

Well, I'm off to Okoboji for the weekend, but I will make sure to keep updating this blog all the way until August 20th...and possibly some after thoughts as well. *Left ear tug!*