Refreshing

Rachel Benton

I always expect incredibly diverse and high quality art in Thurston County, and I love that our artists always keep their creations interesting and refreshing.

Nothing reflects this more than this week’s stories about SPSCC’s production of “Lizzie,” City of Tumwater’s Elevate Fair and StoryOly.

SPSCC Theatre Collective presents 'Lizzie' 

 Directed by Lauren Love with musical direction by John Guarente, this entire cast and crew expands what is possible in both rock music and theatre.

Rock music was the perfect platform for the story of Lizzie Borden because it allowed the musicians to explore the high stress emotions of all characters. I was taken away by the outstanding acting and vocal capabilities of leads Jesse Morrow (Lizzie), Emma Sorensen (Emma), Heather Matthews (Bridget aka Maggie) and Lola Havens (Alice).  

I highly encourage you to read the director’s note on the program before the show begins because it describes some of the mystery and urban legend surrounding the Lizzie Borden story. The creepy nursery rhyme only discusses the crime itself, and the nature of the murders indicate that it was a crime of passion. Sso it needs to be asked: What drove the passion?  

This adaptation suggests that Lizzie was raped and abused in every way by her father, and that her step mother made both her and her sister’s lives miserable. This suggestion is entirely plausible — it doesn’t excuse the crime, but it helps us understand that humans can only be abused so much until something gives. I am no longer terrified of Lizzie Borden, but of men like her father who repetitively abuse women and are not held accountable for their actions.  

This production was not gory and handled the material with an untraditional sense of class, and it gave me a lot of food for thought. I entirely recommend it.  

This is the last weekend for "Lizzie," so make sure you make your way to SPSCC’s Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts this weekend. Admission is a suggested $15 donation at the door.  

 City of Tumwater’s Elevate Fair 

Art Specialist Britt Bowman gave me an inside scoop on the City of Tumwater’s Inaugural Elevate Fair. The heart of this event is to “elevate” how the arts and environment intertwine, and to make positive steps in how we interact with both.  

According to Bowman, “The creative economy (including visual art, performing art, film, technology, culinary arts, etc.) makes up almost 10% of Washington’s GDP, so it has a large ecological impact.” This intertwining is noteworthy, and is an idea that can spark inspiration in everyone of all ages. 

Elevate will include:  

• Art vendors 

• Community booths 

• Games 

• An event passport activity where you can get stamps and be entered to win a raffle prize.  

• A collaborative art piece created by Carrie Ziegler that guests are invited to contribute to. 

• Music provided by the Bridge Music Project  

• Delicious eats from Runia Soul Café, which serves indigenous cuisine. Items on the menu include Navajo fry bread tacos and three sisters’ soup from the Chickasaw Tribe.  
• Join Bowman and others from Thurston County on May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ASHHO Cultural Community Center. Find more information here.

 StoryOly 

The more I interact with the arts community, the more I hear about StoryOly, and this month I finally had a chance to attend, and my breath was taken away.  

Before the story slam begins, anyone interested in sharing a story within the month’s theme is invited to put their name in the bowl. Additionally, both storytellers and audience members are invited to answer the “curious quandary” by filling out an anonymous slip of paper the hosts then read in between stories.

Elizabeth Lord was a great host who made space for everyone to be open about who they are and embrace their quirks (see co-host Amy Shephard at future events).  

To embrace the full experience, I filled out a curious quandary and told a story. I have to say that speaking into a microphone and making an audience laugh was empowering — I felt like the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. 

I cherished soaking in the stories of others. Some stories were funny, some were sad, but all held some sort of lesson that the host recounted before announcing the event’s winner. 

The whole experience was moving because it was vulnerable and real, and we all brought our entire selves to this occasion. The stories were good, but the real art form to be admired here was our collective humanity.  

StoryOly is held at The Brotherhood Lounge, 119 Capitol Way N in Olympia. Find more information here.

Rachel Benton is a columnist, freelance writer, performing arts enthusiast and a Thurston County local. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in History and Political Science and minor in Music. When not writing or enjoying the arts, Rachel can be found spending time with her family, friends and two golden retriever puppies (Elliot and Ernie).