Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 2/24/06 Section: Diversions

Media Credit: Joe Tessitore

On Feb. 15, 2006 many freshman students filled the seats of the DLC to view a presentation of Strange Like Me. The production is composed of different acts that cover issues dealing with diversity, which college students often find themselves facing. The Office of Student Activities and Housing sponsored the group. The company is based out of Chicago and was started by Michael Agnew. Strange Like Me is designed to use theater in an interactive way to cover issues of diversity. The company has been around for ten years and the group featured actors that have been doing working with the company since 2002 along with two actors who have been doing working with the company since last fall.

The event begins with one actor on stage looking out at the audience, he starts out by saying phrases which are negative and insults to many different cultures such as spic, chink, honky and fagot. While doing this actor writes the word hate on a white board in the background. The opening is to let the audience understand that these are all words of hate and helps to get the audiences mind ready for the first act. Before scene starts the audience is informed that after the scene the characters will remain in character and answer any questions and or comments they might have.

The first scene opens with a guy talking to his female friend that he has not seen since school let out for summer break. Then another friend of his walks up and joins the party. However, the female was unaware that the friend would be black and is put off but not having notice. While all three friends talk and catch up many comments are made related to black, Jews and females. The scene ends and the audience are immediately pulled in to comment on what they have seen. One student notes, "Why does it matter that the guy is back?" The female actor responds saying "it doesn't I just would have liked so notice so that I was not surprised." Additionally, students observe that the men assumed the only way the female actress could make money as a waitress is by wearing a thin bathing suit. The first act allowed students to look at sexist issues and prejudging people. Brain Silver felt "All the actors spoke before they thought."

The second act covered started with a guy and girl on stage talking about how things will be ok even though her parents have told her she can not continue school. In walks the roommate that assumes the female is pregnant but is if fact a lesbian. After that the roommate also find out that his friend of 2 years is gay. Students immediately reacted with responses of "why does it matter that he is gay "The actor commented with "it doesn't I just would have liked to know since I lived with the guy and we hang out." Jessica Wick noted, "It's funny how guys react to males being guy as bad but if a chick is a lesbian that is alright."

Overall, students felt that strange like me was a worthwhile presentation, which really helped them realize that words really do hurt people and that people should think before they speak.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools