Pandemic Play Explores Loneliness and Connection Through Art

A new theatrical production titled *Gather*, co-written by Julia Lederer and Julie Ritchey, is making waves as it explores themes of loneliness and connection through the lens of a snowstorm. This poignant 65-minute play, directed by Pablo Felices-Luna, premiered at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) in Winnipeg, Canada, and runs through October 26, 2023. It serves as a reflection of the emotional turmoil experienced during the global pandemic, highlighting how creative expression emerged as a coping mechanism.

The production has been well-received, marking MTYP’s inaugural performance in its newly renovated Richardson Studio Theatre, where audience members are never more than two rows away from the stage. This intimate venue enhances the storytelling experience, allowing for deep engagement with the narratives presented.

Sarah Flynn, who is also MTYP’s artistic associate, and Rhea Rodych-Rasidescu play the central characters, referred to as “One” and “Two.” Their performances convey warmth and relatability as they navigate the challenges faced by their community during an unexpected May snowstorm that leaves the town ice-locked.

The set design by Ksenia Broda-Milian features cleverly crafted miniatures that depict the town, while Cuinn Joseph‘s sound design complements the visual storytelling. The narrative introduces a variety of characters such as a librarian who has lost her words, a chef mourning the absence of customers, and a mail carrier grappling with a lack of connection through letters. These relatable figures embody the struggles of many who faced isolation during the pandemic, revealing how purpose and passion can fade in the face of adversity.

Audience Engagement and Thematic Depth

The production integrates audience participation, inviting young children on stage to help advance the story, fostering a sense of inclusion and engagement. Flynn and Rodych-Rasidescu’s dynamic performances are complemented by their ability to connect with the audience, creating a trusting environment that enhances the overall experience.

The writing is rich in imagery and poetic sensibility, incorporating elements from renowned poet Mary Oliver. While the allegorical nature of the play is engaging, it occasionally teeters on the edge of excessive wordiness, a common challenge in third-person narratives. The emotional depth of the friendship between the two main characters could be further solidified earlier in the play, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the impact of their eventual separation.

A particularly moving moment occurs when the librarian, portrayed by a volunteer from the audience, sits silently with a child on stage, holding a lantern labeled “loneliness.” This poignant scene encapsulates the emotional weight of social isolation that many experienced during the pandemic, highlighting the enduring impact of those challenging years.

Reflecting on the Pandemic Experience

As the play progresses, characters articulate their feelings of being forgotten and numb due to isolation, mirroring the societal challenges faced in a world dominated by digital interaction. Their dreams of “vanishing” resonate with the struggles of many who felt lost during lockdowns, making their eventual joyful reunion all the more impactful.

The production culminates in an “Everything Party,” where audience members are encouraged to share what they missed during their own lockdown experiences, creating a communal atmosphere of reflection and healing. While some may argue that a more traditional ending, featuring the two friends embracing, could have delivered a stronger emotional conclusion, the balloon finale is sure to delight young attendees.

As audiences emerge from the shadows of the pandemic, productions like *Gather* serve as vital artistic expressions that encapsulate the myriad of emotions experienced during those unprecedented times. Through metaphor and storytelling, this play not only preserves individual experiences but also invites future generations to reflect on a period that shaped their lives, much like unique snowflakes falling and melting in the warmth of connection.