Spring Break
Play brings homeless issue to the forefront
Amber Wertman
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: Features
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This is what Rachelle Cary, senior theatre arts and English major, said of the play "In The Blood," an adaptation of the famous novel "The Scarlet Letter."
Cary adapted this realm of thought from the play's director Melinda Wilson.
Wilson, faculty member of the theatre and dance department, said she was taken aback the first time she saw the play.
"It's an amazing script. It's a very hardcore edgy piece of theater," she said. "It's very direct and in your face. It deals with a lot of things that society often avoids and this play forces you to deal with it."
Wilson saw the production years ago and has wanted to direct the play for some time now.
"It's about race; it's about society; it's about the way people see things one way when they are really another way," Wilson said. "It has some edge and toughness to it and it makes you look at things in a very direct manner."
The play is about the main character, Hester, who is homeless and trying to raise her five children.
Brian Rife, chorus member and senior theatre arts major, said the production is about much more than just the homeless society, but also the stereotypes that go along with homelessness.
"Being in the play has made me notice things more and it's heightened my sense of awareness of the homeless situation," he said. "It made me stop and thing about their situation in a different way."
All the actors said they were thrilled to have the opportunity to be working with Wilson in this play.
Eddie Jackson, senior theatre arts major, said Wilson is a phenomenal director but especially great at analyzing the script and knowing which actors are right for certain characters.
"'In the Blood' has always been my favorite play but I really just wanted the chance to work with Dr. Wilson," he said.
Jackson said his passion to work with Wilson motivated him to try out for the dual part of "Reverend D." and "Baby."
Ure Egbuho, freshman journalism and theatre major, plays the main character "Hester." She said Wilson constantly pushes her.
"When I read the play I knew this would be a great challenge for me," Egbuho said, "and Melinda has pushed me to be the best I can be and I love it."
Like fellow cast member Rife, Egbuho has changed the way she sees the homeless community.
"It's so stereotypical that all homeless people do drugs and that's not how it is at all," she said.
The actors admit being a part of this production is no easy task, but that is exactly what challenges them for success.
Some of the cast members said that being a part of this production has not only helped them dig deeper as actors but has also changed their outlook of the homeless.
"When I pass homeless people on the street I don't think, 'Oh, he's just another druggie;' I think, 'What happened?' And that it's not 100 percent his fault," Cary said.
That is exactly what Wilson said was the production's main focus: to get rid of those stereotypes that we, as a society, often associate with the homeless community.
Some of the actors have set exceptionally high goals for themselves in the future and Jackson is no exception.
"I got accepted into the theater program at Columbia University in New York and I'll be starting there in the fall," he said. "I am the only person in my family to go to college, so my parents are really proud."
Egbuho said she wants to write a play one day.
"I would like to do more stage outside of school because I hear Sacramento is really well known for theater and I want to gain more experience and grow as an actress," she said. "I am definitely shooting for the stars."
As for any specific information about the play, the cast and director have remained tight-lipped about any details; they encourage people interested in the play to simply come out and experience "In the Blood" for themselves.
Some students are eager to see a play with such a controversial subject.
Santiago Sanchez, undeclared sophomore, said he has never heard of the play but is interested to see a how a homeless woman, raising five children, will be brought to life.
"Growing up, we were very poor. My mom did the best she could raising me and my brothers and sisters on her own, but oftentimes we were close to homelessness," he said. "So this definitely hits home for me and I'd love to see my similar story reenacted."
Joey Anderson, freshman business major, said the play sounds like it deals with a lot of issues people won't want to hear about.
"Usually when you see a homeless person, you kind of shy away and look the other direction; I know I'm guilty of doing it too," she said. "So this play sounds like it forces you to deal with the homeless situation and I like that."
Wilson said the play is very appropriate in our current economic situation.
"People should go see it because it is set here and now and has a lot of relevance," she said.
The play will run April 16-19 and 22-26 in the university's Playwright Theatre in Shasta Hall.
Friday through Sunday ticket prices are $12 for general admission and $10 for Sacramento State faculty, staff, students and seniors. For the Wednesday and Thursday showing ticket prices are $8.
Amber Wertman can be reached at awertman@statehornet.com
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