Some folks will focus on the fact that the entry in the 2011 Fringe Festival entitled Slammed is written by a 16 year old female resident of Carmel, Sharla Steiman. But that is only a side note. The depth of emotion, creative expression and ability to maintain a continuous story with distint characterizations results in a work that succeeds regardless of the age of its playwright. And this is all done in the format of Slam poetry. The actors carry the words effectively and that is essential to the ability to relate to them; the fact that the audience were left emotionally moved no matter what their age or whether they liked Rap or knew what Slamming was is a credit to the author, the actors and the director.
The ability to express how we all deal differntly with loss in the context of the complexity of relationships (which are never perfect like the love they engender) is something everyone can relate to. YES, its amazing that a 16 year old created this. Go see Slammed. But don’t go because you are seeing the first of what should be the start of an exceptional journey for its creator and its actors. Go because it is good and you will not forget it. For me, the true test of a play is how it moves me and stays with me forever. I have been Slammed.
Poetic justice indeed! This majestic piece of theater brought tears to my eyes. Inspiring and touching, great talented actors...definitely fringe at its best!!
I couldn't believe the power of this script. There is a bright future ahead of the young playwright behind SLAMMED! Not to mention what lies ahead for it's talented cast! They really brought these characters and their passions to life.
Age Is Just A Number
ReplyDeleteSome folks will focus on the fact that the entry in the 2011 Fringe Festival entitled Slammed is written by a 16 year old female resident of Carmel, Sharla Steiman. But that is only a side note. The depth of emotion, creative expression and ability to maintain a continuous story with distint characterizations results in a work that succeeds regardless of the age of its playwright. And this is all done in the format of Slam poetry. The actors carry the words effectively and that is essential to the ability to relate to them; the fact that the audience were left emotionally moved no matter what their age or whether they liked Rap or knew what Slamming was is a credit to the author, the actors and the director.
The ability to express how we all deal differntly with loss in the context of the complexity of relationships (which are never perfect like the love they engender) is something everyone can relate to. YES, its amazing that a 16 year old created this. Go see Slammed. But don’t go because you are seeing the first of what should be the start of an exceptional journey for its creator and its actors. Go because it is good and you will not forget it. For me, the true test of a play is how it moves me and stays with me forever. I have been Slammed.
THANK YOU JOYCE!
ReplyDeletePoetic justice indeed! This majestic piece of theater brought tears to my eyes. Inspiring and touching, great talented actors...definitely fringe at its best!!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe the power of this script. There is a bright future ahead of the young playwright behind SLAMMED! Not to mention what lies ahead for it's talented cast! They really brought these characters and their passions to life.
ReplyDelete