By Samantha Baird
In keeping with the Great Salt Lake Fringe fashion, thinking outside the box, this wonderful organization has created a way to give fans the opportunity to see these interesting pieces virtually. These shows were written purposely to be viewed in the form of a TV channel, and play back to back. Their schedule is on their website—the link is below. Why We Broke Up performed and written by Youth Theatre @ The U Conservatory is a compilation of monologues detailing the break-up of 14 different couples through returning an item significant to their relationship. Why We Broke Up is based off of the book written by Daniel Handler and illustrated by Maira Kalmaz. While each of these original monologues tells the story of a different relationship, the piece as a whole illustrates what it is like to love and be loved in such a cathartic way that it is relatable from start to finish. With direction from each other and program director Penny Caywood, this is a performance you don’t want to miss.
A sketchbook, a teddy bear, and even a couple Starbucks cups; these are just a few of the items used to tell the story of a relationship from (in some cases) beginning to end in under two minutes. Each monologue is self-filmed and directed by each other and Caywood. While they could all have the same static background, the actors chose their own backdrops and filmed themselves in various places indoors and outdoors, giving an added unexpected layer to the setting of each monologue. Something that I really loved about this production is that not only were the performances very actor driven, but the artwork between each performance is also student work. While youth theatre can usually have a negative connotation, this youth piece Why We Broke Up at the Great Salt Lake Fringe 2020 was well worth watching. It is family friendly with only a little bit of language and content focusing on youth relationships. It only haa one more performance, so make sure you access the GSL2020 website and watch this interesting piece.
Youth Theatre @ The U presents Why We Broke Up by the June 2020 Youth Theatre @ The U Conservatory.
August 8, 2020, 1:30 PM
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