— by Margie Doyle —

The premiere performances in the Festival of Plays showed Orcas at its finest: a multi-generational community that is unafraid to grapple with the matters of facing one’s demise and death; to grieve and remember a beloved mother; to wrestle with demons of war; to battle with the greyness of depression and alienation. Other plays  gave a nod the unique “Orcas” marks in history we make with timber sales or building bathrooms; multiple jobs and bettering our lives; and the search for quiet in a natural world that coexists with health “nuts,” urban refugees and diseased trees.

The sold-out crowd on Opening Night enjoyed the seven plays written, direct and acted by local talent, many of them newcomers to the festival. The actors delivered such poignant and pithy sentiments as:

  • Though I miss the trees, I still can write, I still can sing This Play Was Written in Sand, by M.I. Thomas, with Mandy Johnson, Audrey Neddermann and Margot Van Gelder. Directed by Aaimee Johnson.
  • Is the much-vaunted secret silent place only to be found when one is completely alone? The Sounds of Silence by Kathi Ciskowski, as acted by Alyssa Flherty, Chris Dalla Santa, Tegina Zwiling, Adia Dolan, Rebecca Cuzens-Sutton and Indy Zoeller. Directed by Bev Leyman.
  • Nobody knows me  Never Coming Back: by Cali Bagby, with actors Andy Martin, Maura O’Neill, Indy Zoelller and Rebecca Cuzens-Sutton. Directed by Lin McNulty.
  • You’ll tell my story, your children will tell yours; You’re my mark in the world, Boede Family: History in One Act, by Janet Brownell: with Jason Dean playing the family patriarch, and Annika Truebenback, Jeremy Reinertson and Matt Howe as his children. Directed by Gillian Smith,
  • Are the stars comforting or indifferent? Do stars matter? Is life just a series of moments? Salutation, Valediction, by Indy Zoeller: with Lin McNulty and Tony Lee poignantly authentic as two old-timers whose time is running out. Directed by George Zimbleman.
  • I need people to remember or else I’ll just forget you. St. Lora by Adia Dolan with Melinda Milligan playing the departed mother, Patricia Ayers the helpful neighbor and Liz Doane the daughter grappling with loss and the prospect of more loss. Direct by Lynda Sanders.
  • Is balderdash a swear word? The Road to Tranquility by Jackie Bates with Cali Bagby and Kevin Doyle, directed by Tom Fiscus.

The “power behind the throne” of the evening of dramatic — and comedic — excellence are the directors and coordinators Aaimee Johnson and Thelma McTavish who, with the actors, bring to life the words of the authors.

Playfest 2016 is a celebration and homage to Orcas history, creativity, expression and love. It is the best Playfest ever in its 11 year history. It deserves sold-out crowds when it plays tonight, April 30, and next weekend at the Grange at 7:30.

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