Speech and Debate
Okay, the second act - except for a hilarious dance to George Michael's "Freedom" - doesn't fulfill the first's promise. No matter. Rachael VanWormer's outstanding performance, at Diversionary, trumps all objections. She plays the explosively expressive Diwata (named for an ancient Philippine goddess, young Diwata's either one-eighth or -sixteenth Filipino, not sure which). When North Salem High offers a speech and debate club, only three students attend: openly gay Howie (outed himself at 10), wannabe-journalist Solomon, and dervish Diwata. Each has ulterior motives for joining - blackmail, among them. All see similarities between Salem, Oregon, and the Salem, Mass. of the witch trials (Diwata, who identifies with Mary Warren in Miller's Crucible, says, "Try to hang me; see how strong my neck is"). As they explore freedom of speech, the trio opens up to who they are. Along with the amazing VanWormer (whom Kate Stallon dresses in a grab-bag of artsy styles), the Jason Southerland-directed show creates the epic emotions of youth (in IM lingo). Markuz Rodriguez and Kevin Koppman-Gue do fine turns as Howie and Solomon, nervously assertive teens. Wendy Waddell gives the authority figures, a teacher and a reporter from The Oregonian, touches of humanity.
Critic's Pick
When
Ongoing until Sunday, April 11, 2010
Hours
| Sundays, 2pm & 7pm |
| Wednesdays, 7:30pm |
| Thursdays, 7:30pm |
| Fridays, 8pm |
| Saturdays, 8pm |