MHS fall play looks at online dangers
Technology and the Internet have changed the world in ways few could have imagined just a few short years ago, and while these advances have generally affected the world in a positive manner, there is also a dark side to this technology.
Mundelein High School Theatre is tackling some of these issues in their fall play, "Trust," by David Schwimmer and Andy Bellin. The play will be presented Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 13, 14 and 15, at 7 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium. A matinee will take place at 3:45 p.m. Nov. 13, which is free for all MHS students.
Tickets are a recommended donation of $5 for students and $8 for adults. They may be reserved by calling (847) 949-2200, ext. 1407, or by visiting www.mhstheatre.net. Due to the sensitive nature of the material in this play, it is not recommended for those younger than 14.
"Trust" is the story of a seemingly innocent online encounter that threatens to unravel the fabric of an American family when their 14-year-old daughter is manipulated into an illegal sexual relationship with a man she meets on the Internet.
As the Internet increasingly becomes the hunting ground for predators, this production will serve not only to raise awareness, but also to move and empower audience members to take action in their communities and within their own families.
Mundelein High School has enlisted, as community engagement partners, the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, the Mundelein Police Department and the Community Youth Network. Representatives from each of these organizations, as well as the social work staff from MHS, will be on hand for all performances of the play.
They will each give a short presentation after every performance, and will also be available to discuss the show and provide information to the audience members.
Schwimmer, one of the founding members of the Lookingglass ensemble, is a current board member of The Rape Foundation of Santa Monica and an active supporter of the Rape Treatment Center in Los Angeles for the last 12 years. Issues tackled by these organizations are what inspired him to create, and then codirect, the original production of "Trust."
"The purpose of creating 'Trust' was to generate awareness and inspire conversation among students and their peers, parents and educators," Schwimmer said. "I couldn't be happier that Mundelein High School, under the direction of Jonathan Meier, is bringing this play to the community with such commitment and passion."
"I cannot tell you how honored and excited we are to be able to bring this very important and timely play to the Mundelein community," said Jonathan Meier. "David and the folks from Lookingglass have been collaborative and a joy to partner with. They have done everything in their power to support our production."
Schwimmer and Bellin authorized several changes to the script, including penning a new ending and making the material more appropriate for the high school community.
"This play tells a heartbreaking story," Meier said. "But it is one that those in high school, parents of children in high school, or those approaching high school age should embrace the opportunity to see."
"This thought-provoking play has a poignant message," Mundelein High School Principal Anthony Kroll said. "The students in our theater department will put a spotlight on a real issue which is timely during the rollout of our 1:1 Computing Initiative this year."
"Trust" has only been produced one other time, in its world premiere in 2010 at Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago. MHS Theatre will present the World High School premiere of this yet-to-be published play.
"Our 2010 production had a huge impact on Lookingglass, and, we believe, on the larger community," said Andy White, artistic director of Lookingglass. "We are thrilled that the play is finding a second life in this production at Mundelein High School.
"More than ever, the conversations sparked by the play are ones that need to happen, both in public as well as within families. We're honored that this story, and the themes it raises, will be brought back to the forefront of public dialogue."
The impact of rehearsing this subject matter has inspired the theater students, who have selected the Zacharias Center as the receiving organization for their fundraising efforts for this fall.