Oklahoma City University’s final Studio Series production of the fall semester came to a close today. The Yellowboat occupied the Black Box Theatre in one of the most moving pieces of the season so far.
Directed by senior BFA Acting Major, Sarah Filek, the show developed a beautifully creative world that explored the tragic story of a young boy named Benjamin. Set in the 1970s, eight-year-old Benjamin battles hemophilia and receives regular blood transfusions as a result. These transmissions transfer Benjamin the AIDS virus which ends up claiming his life.
In one brief act, the play explores Benjamin’s unique view of the world through his art and innocence. Despite the brief seventy-five minutes, the play delved into a carefully crafted world of imagination mixed with realism and hope. Audiences were captivated by each character’s individuality, charisma and authenticity in the strange yet fantastical environment. The characters had a larger than life feel in moments and yet displayed such deep humanity in the next. Silence was utilized effectively as audiences could be heard sobbing each night.
The technical elements elevated this show significantly as they invited audiences into Benjamin’s private world. The lighting design of the show created mood in beautifully succinct cues that melded color and texture into passion expressing the childlike otherworldliness and at times centering the show in reality.
This dramatic show was deeply impactful in its exploration of life and creativity through the eyes of a child faced with extreme barriers and yet filled with maturity, gratitude, love and hope.
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