This excerpt from an interview focuses on the play “Soft Target” by Emily Kazmarek, and delves into its themes, production challenges, and the playwright’s hopes for its impact.Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
Core Themes & Message:
* The Human Cost of Gun Violence: The play centers on a young girl, Amanda, and her family, aiming to force audiences to connect with the personal tragedy of gun violence, moving beyond political debates. It asks audiences to consider the value of a child’s life against the “fetish” of gun ownership.
* Trauma & Healing: The play explores Amanda’s trauma and the impact it has on her relationships,including her relationship with her toys. It also touches on the importance of boundaries and healthy coping mechanisms in the wake of trauma (“hurt people hurt people”).
* Social Obligation of Storytelling: The playwright believes storytelling is a powerful tool for conveying values and prompting reflection,but emphasizes the need for strong,nuanced storytelling to avoid being preachy.
Production Insights:
* Child Actor Support: The interview highlights the unique challenges of working with a child actor. While the child can more easily transition between reality and the role, the adult actors often need support to process the heavy emotional weight of the material and their own lives. The director found Cora Steiger, a remarkably mature young actress, for the Detroit production.
* Detroit Premiere: The choice of Detroit as the premiere location was deliberate, as Michigan is a politically diverse state where the issue of gun control is not settled. The director wants to see how the play resonates in diffrent communities, including those with strong gun rights advocates.
Key Quotes & Ideas:
* “This is not a question of guns versus no guns; this is a question of the preciousness of human life versus machines, and unfettered access to machines.” – This encapsulates the play’s central argument.
* “hurt people hurt people.” – Highlights the cycle of trauma and the importance of addressing it.
* The use of toys: the toys represent a microcosm of the impact of trauma and the need for healthy relationships and boundaries.
* The power of theater as a communal space: The interviewer notes that theatre provides a unique opportunity for diverse communities to engage in emotional conversations and possibly shift perspectives.
In essence, the interview paints “Soft Target” as a deeply affecting and thought-provoking play that aims to move beyond political rhetoric and connect with audiences on a human level, prompting reflection on the devastating consequences of gun violence and the complexities of trauma.
