Drama 101 - the Halcyon Days at the Maple and Vine

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This couple is exposed to this eccentric community by a quite unexpected inciting incident. Katha is introduced to community built on the notions of 1955 from Dean, through their brief, coincidental meeting at the park. Dean is dressed in a particular fashion from the old times, which sparks up a conversation between them. This eventually leads to Dean’s sales pitch of his kooky-sounding community at the Society of the Dynamic Obsolescence. Little did she know that her world is going to drastically change from this seemingly trivial event. Had Katha not sit at the park at that particular time, she and Ryu would not have experienced this brand new route in their life. They would still be dwelling in their unhappiness, living in their dull routine with their gruelling jobs. Above all, they would not have the opportunity of raising a child that they have longed so much.

There are a couple minor conflicts that the couple face in SDO. For instance, their challenge in adjusting with the lifestyle, as Kathy-Katha’s preferred name at the SDO-cooks and Ryu works in the box factory. They are adapting with the 1955 way of life as an interracial couple, maintaining amiable relationship with Dean and Ellen. Things seem to go really smoothly, until Ryu witnesses Dean and Roger’s intimate relationship. The conflict climaxes when Dean eventually leaves SDO without any notice to go after his love for Roger. Life as a gay couple is pretty rough int the 1950s, in addition to Dean’s marriage status with Ellen. This moment ultimately takes a toll on the SDO community, as they lose their representative as well as their role model in maintaining the authenticity. This conflict proves that although the pretend 1955 world works for Kathy and Ryu, it may not work well for everyone. Although Dean manages to enact the picture-perfect marriage with Ellen, his true happiness can only be found somewhere else.

Besides the plot , there are a couple important elements that enhance the entire experience of the play. The lighting is an integral part of this play’s performance. Having to change background and props on different scenes, the play utilizes the lighting techniques to let the audience focus on certain area in the stage. There are scenes where several things are happening simultaneously. For instance, the stage in the scene where Kathy is dreaming about her previous world before SDO consists of her bed, her previous office, and also the park. The lighting, background, and sound complements each other to create the conception that the events are merely in Kathy’s dream. These elements are important aspects that ensure audience’s understanding of the scene.

Overall, the production team of Maple and Vine wrapped up pretty solid performance. The actors have successfully bring the characters to life. I caught myself laughing, cheering, as I fell in love with the characters. This play is truly thought-provoking due to its relevance to the contemporary life in the 21st century. The idyllic life of the 1955 reenactors invites the audience to take a break from their obsession towards technology and internet. Thus, giving a chance for the slow-paced and tranquil lifestyle they once had.

Work Cited

Maple and Vine. By Jordan Harrison, directed by Sean Ryan, 29 Jan. 2017, Floyd and Delores Jones Playhouse, Seattle, WA. Performance.

Harrison, Jordan. Maple and Vine, Samuel French, 2012.