reviewed by Kaylynn
Lum
March 5,
2014
Witness, a word people use when they
see something. We witness things every day. We witness birthdays, holidays,
people shopping at the store, but is it just seeing? For Witness Uganda, it isn’t. Its emotions, experiences, and music.
In Witness Uganda, we don’t just see what the characters see. We are
taken through an entire story. A true story that’s told through the main
character Griffin. Griffin is a sassy, strong, independent young man. He helps
five teens in Uganda find a better future. He struggles, but he has people
helping to guide him down the right path. He takes his own advice and “Put everything
on the line.” He shows the teenagers what he thinks is right and wrong, and
tries to teach them that everyone is equal and everyone should be accepted.
The co-creators show the culture of
Uganda and incorporate it in the music, dancing, and script. They also use the
culture of New York. How these people think, act, and talk are so different.
This is something that is very distinct in the play. The play was lit with many
colors and in a way that everything that seemed to be significant to Griffin
was lit. The onstage band seemed like they were part of the performance and
were just as emotional as the actors.
The most inspiring part was at the
end in the special question and answer portion, where the guitarist and
co-creators all answer audience questions. Griffin said, that if normal people
see things that they don’t agree with or they think is wrong, that they should
say their opinions. Nothing is going to be done if nothing is said. He says
that there is a reason that we were given a voice. We should be able to use
that voice in an empowering way. It’s our responsibility to shape our
community, and to shape our world.
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