For information about Transfixed! at New England Youth Theatre in Brattleboro, visit neyt.org. The play will be performed Friday and Saturday, June 5 and June 6.
BRATTLEBORO-I walked out of New England Youth Theater (NEYT), looked down and saw a four-leaf clover. I picked it and handed it to my young family member, a member of the cast of the play I'd just seen: Transfixed!
The magic of this play had followed us out into the world! I was literally transfixed.
Make no mistake: This play is not just a children's fantasy. It is full of parallels, analogies, truths, and humor for adults as well. Most importantly, it's the voices of our young people telling us what they want and need, a keyhole to peer through in trying to understand their perspectives.
What I take away from this play will not be the same as others because this is a story of different viewpoints and life experiences. I felt the magical energy with which our young people asked us to recognize the voices of the next generation. They are living in a country of many opposing factions. They are witnessing divisions - ideological, political, physical, and with mortal consequences - happening in their own country and they are trying to sort them out.
They are so brave to voice their dreams despite their fears - and in such a positive, creative, joyful way! This play is filled with magical beings and fantasy. But for these young people, their fantasy is that we stand up and act as the adults in their lives that we are supposed to be, that we find a way for all to live in harmony.
My admiration goes out to these young playwrights and actors, and the NEYT folks who guided and support them, who worked the magic of formation! They invite you to don your magical garb and join them.
So put on your wizard's hat and sparkle night-vest - this is a must-see event for all ages and persuasions. You may just find a four-leaf clover to bring back to this world!
Sue Aldridge
Brattleboro
For information about Transfixed! at New England Youth Theatre in Brattleboro, visit neyt.org. The play will be performed Friday and Saturday, June 5 and June 6.
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