Don’t miss out! There are only three more chances to see RCNJ Theater’s production of “Polaroid Stories,” written by Naomi Iizuka. The production, directed by visiting Assistant professor of theater Lester Mayers, is running this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Berrie Center’s Sharp Theater.
“Polaroid Stories” is set at a gas station on the streets of New York City and depicts real-life stories aligned with classic mythology that is told from the perspectives of street kids who attempt to escape their realities. This play, inspired in part by Ovid’s “Metamorphosis,” explores themes of voice, identity and storytelling, as it comments on the human experience and the need to belong.
Since each character has an equal voice to express their stories compared to the others, there is no “main” character or “main” storyline. Instead, each character tells a unique story with their own set of hardships that go beyond the surface-level impressions of each individual, giving them all depth and complexity.
“In high school you do the ‘Beauty and the Beasts’ and not necessarily two dimensional roles, but I’ve never had anything I could sink my teeth into like this,” said junior Theater major Desiree S. Bounds about her experience playing the character Eurydice. “When you’re an actor, you long for roles like this that show you actually understand depth and character analysis.”
Please note the following trigger warning issued by the production staff: “Trigger Acknowledgement: This show portrays real-life experiences involving abuse, drug use, domestic violence, the unhoused and sex work. The language of the play reflects the extremity of these experiences and is sometimes graphic. We want to stress that we have made sure support resources are easily accessible for anyone who may be triggered or impacted by these themes.”
Allie Mendicino, a freshman Psychology and Law & Society major, commented on her involvement with “Polaroid Stories.” “I think this experience has really taught me about the human experience and lives that are very different from mine, and how fortunate I am.” When asked how she would summarize the show in one word, Mendico chose, “human.”
The blend of mythology and current-day issues creates a depth to the story that is beautifully portrayed by all those involved with the production. All of the actors and actresses are very talented, and the time and care they have all spent to give life to each of their characters truly shows. The costumes are unique and add to each of the characters’ individuality.
The gas station set complete with a streetlight, payphone, bench and garbage make the stage seem like it is straight out of the streets of New York. This coupled with the lighting choices and sound effects make it easy for the audience to get lost in the story and world they are witnessing.
All tickets are available to purchase online or at the box office. All tickets purchased online are $15 each, but any tickets purchased at the box office are discounted when you show your student ID. The box office is located on the first floor of the Berrie Center and is open from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance. The theater honor society, Alpha Psi Omega, will have concessions to purchase before and after the show, along with during intermission.
Whether you are a casual theater fan or someone who would enjoy analyzing the endless layers to this production, the experience RCNJ Theater has created with this show is truly admirable. Even if the storyline and some of the themes are not something you would normally enjoy watching, the production and talent involved with each layer of the show make it a remarkable and unforgettable experience.
squinn5@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @themaseplace, Instagram
