by Amme Wetherbee
Memories are a strange thing. Sometimes, we look back and picture moments as clearly as the day they happened. Other times, our minds lose pieces, filling in the gaps with altered details. It’s fascinating how memory shapes our perception of the past.
Last Friday, I attended Dreamers, written by OBU’s very own junior theatre major Elena Streett, at the Sarkeys Black Box Theater. The performance was a thought-provoking, bittersweet experience that left a lasting impression. The story, beautifully written and performed, explored deep emotions and complex themes, making the audience reflect on dreams, reality, and the fragile nature of memory itself.
Set at the beginning of the Great Depression, the play follows Myrtle, a free-spirited romantic who crosses paths with Max, a social outcast traveling across America by train. Five years later, an older Myrtle reflects on her past as she returns home, trying to make sense of her memories and emotions.
The play delves into themes of love, regret, grief, and change, offering a unique perspective on personal growth and the passage of time. Through heartfelt storytelling and compelling characters, it invites the audience to explore the bittersweet nature of memories and the impact of past choices.
With Max played by Cole Green, young Myrtle portrayed by Abby Zang, and Myrtle herself brought to life by the playwright Elena Streett, the performances were nothing short of outstanding. Each actor conveyed the complexity of their characters with remarkable depth and authenticity.
The chemistry between the actors made their connection feel genuine, making the audience believe in their love—or at the very least, their strong initial intrigue with one another. The ability to express deep desire and seamlessly transition into frustration is an impressive skill, and they executed it flawlessly. Cole and Abby particularly excelled in portraying a couple caught in emotional turmoil, struggling between love and conflict yet still yearning to be together. Their performances captured the raw, bittersweet nature of relationships, highlighting the struggles of passion, miscommunication, and longing. The way they navigated these emotions added to the play’s emotional depth, making it an unforgettable experience.
I’ve always been amazed by the creativity that brings plays to life, and Dreamers was no exception. The props were particularly impressive, from a handcrafted bedroom to a slightly worn-down barn, perfectly capturing the essence of the early 1900s.
That being said, if you’ve never been to a black box theater, you might not realize how small they can be. However, the lighting in this production created an incredible illusion of space, making the stage feel much larger. The music was also impeccable, enhancing the story beautifully. Folk music, a personal favorite of mine, was the perfect choice—its storytelling nature added depth and emotion to every scene.
You could tell the audience was super involved as well. From gasps to laughs to cries of sadness the actors had the audience on the edge of our seats. It helped that the play is very thought provoking. It makes you contemplate the importance of freedom, family, and passion while also making you think of memories and how time changes people and what we deem important.
While the play showed some aspects from other theatrical works I have not seen one that quite made me think and question the way this one did. Overall it was a stunning performance and I would recommend you see it if it ever becomes possible. It was truly an unforgettable experience that still is making me wonder about how I’ve changed and grown as a person.
