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By Beth E. Concepción “Pedophilia is child’s play,” or so the joke goes. There’s another one that says, “Incest is best, relatively speaking.” Those serious subjects get a different comic touch in the dramedy “How I Learned to Drive” at the Savannah College of Art and Design Mondanaro Theater through May 14. Playwright Paula Vogel earned a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1998 for the work, which focuses on the complex and disturbing relationship between Li’l Bit and her Uncle Peck. The story unfolds through Li’l Bit’s narrative as she explains how she learned to drive through the “hands-on” instruction of her aunt’s husband. According to media and performing arts professor Karla Knudsen, who is directing the production, that narrative keeps the play in control. “It is smart writing,” she said. “The story is unpredictable. If people are worried about the content, they should know that it is safe. It is presented in a very safe form. It is controlled by the narrative, but that is not to say it is dull.” The play opened at the Vineyard Theatre in New York City in February 1997 and relocated to Century Center in New York in April of that year. Mary-Louise Parker originated the role of Li’l Bit, which was later played by Molly Ringwald. Its off-Broadway run won a list of awards including the Obie Award, the Drama Desk Award, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award. It also led one critic to dub it a “sweet little play about pedophilia,” Knudsen said. “It is a nice counterpoint to ‘West Side Story’ [in the college’s season] — the classic big American musical contrasted with a contemporary dramedy with a small cast,” she said. The combination of potency and comedy led to some challenges for the cast to overcome. “One of the best things Karla told us was to play the opposites,” said junior media and performing arts major Lauren Weinerth, who plays Li’l Bit. “We know it is a play about pedophilia, but it is also about being a human. We know there are sad things, but you have to find a balance.” “The contrast in the language is compelling because [Vogel] catches you in your stereotypes,” Knudsen said. The production also provided some challenges for junior media and performing arts major Shawna Fraser, who is making her debut as a lighting designer. “I was learning how as I was doing it,” she said. “I got a lot of support. The [faculty members advising on the show] told me when I was heading in the wrong direction. The space is not your normal space … it was a really challenging but positive experience.” As it is not your “normal” play, either, Knudsen advises that it may not be suitable for children under the age of 13. Those who do attend the play will leave with something a little extra, according to Weinerth. “They will leave the show thinking about secrets and you ultimately learn something,” she said. “That’s what theater is all about.” And, Knudsen said, “How I Learned to Drive” is overall “a fun ride.” “How I Learned to Drive” is onstage through May 14 at the Mondanaro Theater, 217 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Showtimes are at 8 p.m., with an additional show at 3 p.m. May 14. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $5 for students and seniors, and free with SCAD ID. |
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