by Shirley Lorraine
Life is complicated. “The Light Remains,” an original work now on stage at the Elite Theatre Company in Channel Islands, showcases just how complicated it can become when unexpected events occur. Add to the mix the inner and outer turmoil that affects the maelstrom of emotions during the teen years, and you have the crux of this introspective piece.
Author Arriana Rodriguez bravely tackles this deep and reflective subject following the sudden loss of a best friend. The result is a cathartic baring of the soul that explores grief in its many forms, but especially anger.
The play focuses on a group of teens set to graduate high school. They face universal issues: decisions on whether to stay local or go off to college, and whether to face the unfamiliar or stick with the familiar. The attraction and seeming permanence of first love is a strong complication of its own. At eighteen, everything seems larger than life and more important than it is. Most of us eventually work our way through all that and move on. Some, tragically, do not, leaving behind more questions than answers.
The play is jam-packed with raw emotions and strong language. (Here comes my soapbox moment.) As prevalent as the current culture allows language to be frank, I felt the characters would be better served to build up to the point of understandable anger rather than leading with it. The overuse of foul language quickly became tiresome. By the time it was fully appropriate, given the situation, the impact was considerably lessened for me. It is hard enough to listen to that type of constant coarseness from adults. From young people, it overshadowed the talents I could discern were under the surface. Frankly, it fueled my anger. I wanted to hear what the characters really had to say rather than a string of common invectives.
The principal characters each had moments of introspection that were insightful and deep. Monologues delivered by Kai Wyatt, Jackie Jones, Jonny Jones, and Bucky Delgado in Act Two were the most satisfying moments for me. The cast was strong, and even director Hayley Silvers made an appearance as “Mom.”
Opening night was filled with family and friends whose enthusiasm and support were overly eager to be heard. Unfortunately, their exuberance often drowned out the action, not allowing the actors time to process. Youth theater is a valuable training ground, and I fully support experimentation and stretching boundaries. I expect the play to evolve considerably throughout its run if attention is given to the audience’s reactions, not only by the actors but also by the author. Pacing, holding for laughs and reactions before moving on, and vocal projection are issues that need improvement. It’s a learning process worth examining.
“The Light Remains” continues through August 18. For more information, visit www.theElite.org or call 805-483-5118.
