Post Classifieds
REVIEW: When the Walls Come Down: Truth
By Colleen Young
On October 2, 2012
"When the Walls Come Down: Truth," directed by Drew Kahn, is an experimental project which
is powerful and brings the audience to a benevolent mentality.
This production was timed perfectly as a part of the Anne Frank Project, which inspires one
to change the world. This show does the same, as it portrays the goal to find the truth and to
overcome universal obstacles everyone faces.
The characters in the production face issues dealing with courage, trust and responsibility, as
they relate in another time and place to today and right here at Buffalo State College.
I arrived at the Donald Savage Theater Building not knowing what to expect from the show,
though I was very happy to be greeted by professionally dressed, friendly ushers selling tickets
and leading the way into the theater.
The Flexible Theatre had fun music playing, warm lighting and the stage was set to create the
setting and the mood of the show.
The lights went dark and suddenly there was a beautiful, powerful song that gave me chills.
Immediately I was happy and I found myself smiling at the actors in an embarrassing way.
I could tell they were thrilled to send a message to the audience, that message being the battle
to overcome our own walls, as well as caring enough to inspire others to overcome theirs.
All of the characters were dancing with really cool, energetic movements. There were also
silhouetted dancers behind a lit up backdrop, which became a major story-telling visual tool
throughout the show. Beautiful singing and dancing was accompanied by wonderful music,
costumes, props and colorful scenes, which all made the production feel authentic.
The professional, fearless cast was dressed naturally, with simple costumes and no heavy
makeup, helping the audience focus on the story line and the message that we are not alone in
this world.
It's evident that great planning, research and talent went into the creation of this story. This
production is different from others because it kept my attention with its unpredictability.
As an audience member, I truly experienced a range of emotions with the energizing, exciting,
and inspiring storyline.
Every member of the cast was involved and vocal throughout the entire show, looking at and
speaking to the audience. In addition, the cast made good use of the theatre and moved around
the space, encouraging interaction and engagement from audience members, making us feel
that we're a part of the village they created.
Each character had a different story, yet you can still feel unity with knowing that every one of
them is facing different issues and ultimately searching for the truth throughout their lives.
The storyline portrays universal messages touching on diversity and every other issue the
characters faced along their journey through the past, while connecting it to the present.
We watched a village face the same problems we face here at Buffalo State and everywhere.
The characters faced troubles regarding judgment, feeling unloved, disrespected and dealing
with the walls they created to block themselves and each other out. These are themes we all
deal with throughout our lives, and as the story unfolds, it becomes even more relatable. The
characters as well as the audience learn that forgiveness is essential for all of us to live on with
each other.
As an audience member, I was learning lessons and evaluating my own life while kept attentive
and entertained by the story line and the journeys the characters were on.
After all, a great theatre production is one that provokes the audience to think and be inspired to
apply the show's message to their own lives.
While watching "When the Walls Come Down: Truth," I was able to relate the history of the
storyline to the problems of current times. I truly felt I had a place in the story too, as I learned to
think with an open mind and an open heart throughout the show and afterward.
In our society and even at our school, we have walls up that hinder our ability to provide love,
tenderness, respect and forgiveness for each other and for ourselves. When we break down
these walls, we're able to look forward to change the world for each other.
"When the Walls Come Down: Truth" received a lot of applause and a standing ovation from a
happy crowd.
Colleen Young can be reached by email at young.record@live.com.
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