23 February, 2009

DEAR VINEYARD THEATRE

I wanted to write to you before reading any reviews and while I still have all these wonderful thoughts about THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY in my head. I am so proud to be associated (even from the sidelines) with a theatre company that is willing to take the risk of producing such bold, thought-provoking, non-conventional, passionate art. This piece speaks to all the things that make me continuously fall in love with theatre over and over again: the ability to push the envelope & present opposing viewpoints & remain non-judgmental & delve into humanity & create art out of life.

I brought two friends with me to the opening - a devout Christian, and a native of Colorado. It was amazing how varied and passionate our reactions were to the show. Our deep debates about the play started at intermission and lasted long into the night. As someone who is constantly exploring my own faith, I found THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY to be inspiring and heartbreaking, and encouraging and sad, and joyful. I was very moved - particularly by the final few moments and the last song, which was hopeful and yet offered no right or wrong answer. It made me think. It made me argue. It made me laugh. It made me want to see it again.

To be able to create a piece about something that has so defined a particular community - and to objectively present that piece in a way that is entertaining and challenging and theatrical is what most impresses me about The Civilians. To pour your heart and soul (which I know you do!) into that production - every production - and to be a fertile ground for its growth is what has always impressed me about The Vineyard.

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