Orcas Center is presenting “The Butterfly Effect,” a new Orcas-made play inspired by a worldwide movement of anti-bullying video messages and adapted from local stories by Janet Brownell and directed by Jake Perrine on the OffCenter stage June 1, 2, 3 at 7:30 p.m.
“‘The Butterfly Effect’ is a direct response to the epidemic of gay teen suicides across the country,” said Director Jake Perrine. “It is a message of hope from our gay island elders to our youth that it does get better after the awkward trials of high school. If the faith of even one person seeing the play is restored, or if one person reconsiders bullying someone else for being different, we will have succeeded in our aspirations. I think anyone who feels different could benefit from a vote of confidence at that age. Once we understand that those who are different among us are people too – people with hopes, fears, and dreams like anyone else – perhaps we can begin to accept difference and empathize with it, rather than judge and punish it. At the end of the day, we are all different.”
Community cast members include Christopher Evans, Diansa Anuenue, Kim Secunda, Ladd Lindholm, Suzanne Olson, Deborah Sparks, Jim Schaffer-Bauch, Jules Mann, Nate Feder, Angelica Mayo, Rene Sturk and Conrad Wrobel.
Tickets are $15 ($2 off for Orcas Center members), students are free. The show is rated PG-15 for language and content and not appropriate for students under 15 years old. Tickets may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center box office Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12-4 p.m. For more info about Orcas Center 2012 season events, visit www.orcascenter.org.
