This weekend Pepperdine University celebrates the 10th year of The Multicultural Theatre Project with the production of “The Jazz Age.” 12 student performers are taking part in the Project this year which is spearheaded by Dr. Joi Carr assistant professor of English at Seaver College. According to Carr the purpose of the Project is to “create a ‘safe’ place where students and the Pepperdine community can explore difference.”
This year the group has traveled back nearly 100 years to one of America’s most dynamic decades— the 1920s. Carr emphasized the importance of the era: “People were exploring their individuality and newfound freedom— from the world of fashion to religion and world politics. These years saw the birth of modern America. Everything was new and exciting bringing both freedom and struggle.”
The Project attracted a wide range of students. Haven Nutt a Theater and Television major said she is constantly looking for auditions but that this particular show was different. “It’s not done by the Theater Department Nutt said, so I thought it’d be a fun way to meet new performers and get into something new.”
Many of the students involved have never performed in theater at all. For Kendria Smith president of the Black Student Association this is the first time she has ever participated in any type of production at Pepperdine. Smith said she wanted to do something different. “That’s why I auditioned she said. I wanted to push myself to do something I hadn’t done before.” In fact most of the students are performing for the first time— but according to Smith that is what will make the show a success. “It’s authentic she said.
The original show is unique in both style and composition. Although it is written and directed by Carr, many of the characters have been built off the personalities of the actors themselves. Dr. Carr really tapped into who we were and we got to express a lot about what we wanted to see Smith said. We put the show together along with Dr. Carr using our personalities.”
Every line of monologue and every hour of rehearsal have undergone scrutiny and refinement by the experienced Carr. According to Nutt Carr is a very visual person. “She’ll sit back and watch and if she doesn’t like something she’ll change it Nutt said. Each of the 12 students has contributed a part of him or herself to the show. Mignon Baker, another cast member, said a lot of what we have come up with was complete spontaneity and feeding off one another— they are custom-made characters.”
While the cast has received a great deal of satisfaction from the Project they have also put in a lot of work. The time commitment has been huge— usually five to six hours every night. Nutt admits it has been tiring especially on top of classes homework and other commitments. But she makes it clear that the experience has paid off.
“At the end of the day she said, when we’re dancing and rehearsing … I love that part of it.”
Baker also said the work does not bother her. “I’m happy to have something to put my time into she explained. I like the collaboration.”
Smith confirms the feeling.
“It’s worth it she said. If we didn’t put in as much time the show wouldn’t be what it should be.”
When asked about her goal for the show Carr said she hopes “the audience is moved by this extraordinary time in American history. I hope they leave feeling encouraged by the story reflecting on the fragility and delicate balance of life in the modern world.”
Especially in light of Black History Month this show carries a great deal of cultural importance— a prominent aspect of the Multicultural Theatre Project.
Smith emphasizes the importance of the individual stories: “My hope is that we have a diverse group from Pepperdine and the outside community to come and listen to the stories we are telling because they are real and they still affect us today she said. She explained the show makes the history come to life.
To support the Multicultural Theater Project and your fellow students, come enjoy The Jazz Age showing Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, and there will be a reception after each performance. For more information call Ext. 7610.