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Peer Reviews
My Name is
Tracy:
Stories of Men and Women Caught in the Cycle of
Domestic Violence
Developed and Directed by Juergen K. Tossman
Reviewed by Keith Waits
Entire contents are copyright © 2007,
Keith Waits. All rights reserved.
Bunbury Theatre's My Name
is Tracy is an original
production that catalogs various permutations of
domestic violence. Enlightening and insightful
in its exploration of the personal dynamics of
such tragic human interactions, the piece works
effectively as a Public Service Announcement, but
fails to engage the audience on the deeper emotional
level that one might expect with the subject.
The uniformly excellent cast brings energy and
professionalism to the task, but the script, which
is comprised of a series of monologues and short
scenes representing a variety of characters, never
allows them the space to build a story the audience
can connect with. Instead, it gives priority to
rendering the widest range of experiences within
the subject: a checklist of the most up-to-date
case studies.
Perhaps Mr. Tossman's intention was simply to provide
a platform for dramatizing the topic in order to
promote discussion. In this he succeeds, for the
piece was followed by a worthwhile discussion involving
staff from The Center for Women and Families. I
certainly gained new understanding of the issue
of domestic violence and the latest insights that
counselors and educators are bringing into their
important work.
But the ideas that came forth also prompted me
to want to see a full-blooded play that would begin
to chart the compelling progress these professionals
have made in dealing with "…the destructive
behavior that occurs in intimate relationships." To
follow one victim/survivor on their journey
could provide for an indelible theatrical experience
that would resonate with the audience on the deepest
level. Maybe Bunbury could provide such a follow-up
in a future season.
My
Name is Tracy
October 4 - 7, 2007
Bunbury Theatre at the Henry Clay, Third and Chestnut
502-585-5306
www.bunburytheatre.org
Posted Oct. 6, 2007
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