The Optimist

Though plagued with exams and end-of-the-year productions, theatre students are putting on one more show - not for a grade or pay but out of conviction. For weeks, theatre majors have been practicing because they believe in the message behind a sophomore theatre major's concept for a dramatic dance production.

Jonathan Prim, from Abilene, choreographed and directed his second independent theatre production, "List of Demands," for no other reason than having "something to say," he said.

"Everyone is searching for the ultimate fulfillment," he said. "To be a whole person."

The production explores different ways people try to fulfill themselves. It is a music- and -choreography-driven production where famous characters from literature express their inner conflicts and desires in the form of dance and monologue.

"I think it's raw," Prim said. "It's not a pretty story. It tells these people's lives and doesn't apologize for it."

Prim's production will open Thursday at 7 p.m. at Fulks Theatre in the Williams Performing Arts Building. Admission is free.

Amy Simpson, senior theatre major from Denver, researched for and wrote the script after Prim told her his concept. She said it was difficult finding time to make the production happen.

Between a busy theatre schedule, regular class, work and graduation, it was a stretch to add another show on top of everything.

"But this is something we all really wanted to do," she said. "So the dedication was there for both Jonathan and I and everyone involved. I love the artistic challenge."

The script is the story of real people Prim has known in his life.

He wanted to parallel characters with his friends. There's a saying that life imitates art, and art imitates life, Prim said. That is what his production is up to.

"I wanted the audience to be able to connect with characters on different levels," Prim said. "Not just experiences but on an intellectual level."

Prim said he sees a world that is at war. People are going in different directions in search of fulfillment and fall into destruction, addictions, especially in college life.

"Our generation is so important because we are the next ones to take power," he said.

He wants to give them hope and motivate them, he said.

"I believe we all have something in common: we all search for fulfillment," he said.

Knowing other people's stories is key to figuring that out, he said.
"That's when we can take a step forward," he said.

E-mail Knight at: optimist@acu.edu

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