Drawn In

I like watching smart and creative and talented people work. It’s fascinating to see someone pick up a guitar or paint brush and play around with it but in time, you start to experience the genesis of something. The musician or artist finds their footing and you see or hear the beginning of something beautiful.

These early steps are actually encouraging to me. I like to paint but I am often discouraged as often as I am inspired when I see a work of art. What I find reassuring in beginnings is watching a talented artist, well, stumble. Make mistakes. Begin again. Get frustrated. And they try again.

Success is almost always linked with trying one more time.

These stumbles are a reminder that talented people are also human. Not every creative work is born without tears or mistakes.

It’s a reminder that even though I make mistakes, either with a paintbrush or an eyeshadow brush, professional artists do as well. Watching artists work is reassuring, inspiring, and fascinating.

With that in mind, I am sure it’s not a surprise that I was absolutely enchanted with seeing the new production by the Children’s Theatre Company titled ‘Drawing Lessons‘ this past weekend.

From their website:

By Michi Barall 
Original conception by Michi Barall and Jack Tamburri 
Directed by Jack Tamburri 

Co-commissioned by Ma-Yi Theater Company and Children’s Theatre Company  

Experience the energy of a graphic novelist’s imagination at work! Dynamic, jump-off-the-page drawings show Kate’s manhwa graphic novel coming together, even as she deals with school, friends, and how her Korean heritage fits into her American lifestyle. Will her contentious friendship with Paul help or hinder her progress? Will either of them ever find their true artistic voice? Get drawn into this innovative story that magically takes place both on stage and on screen!

The play is best described as immersive. The entire backdrop of the stage is a giant screen and is divided into squares and rectangles mimicking comic strip panels. The screen allows the audience to watch the characters draw but also conveys where the scene is taking place, whether at Kate’s home or school or out in the community.

Watching the actor’s draw was so fun. The unique setting allowed us to see their creative work from their perspective. The acting was top notch and Kate stole the show. Every emotion she conveyed, whether it was frustration or joy or shyness or anger was felt through the theatre. Like watching someone draw, it was enchanting to see someone so tiny earned the attention and respect from everyone in the audience.

‘Drawing Lessons’ runs through November 10th.

Thank you to the Children’s Theatre for an amazing and inspiring evening.