December 18, 2024

Exploring Familial Grief, Courage and Absurdity: Gordon College’s Fall Shorts Performance

Mengru Wang '25

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Gordon College’s Theatre Department invites audiences to step into their Fall Shorts Performance, a collection of eight diverse and thought-provoking short plays. Each play offers a unique lens through which to explore the complexities of life, from existential questions to intimate moments of vulnerability. Together, they show the department’s mission of fostering empathy, community, and curiosity to worship God through all creative acts. 

The Fall Shorts Performance shows the breadth and depth of Gordon Theatre. Students and faculty collaborate to produce short plays that not only entertain but challenge assumptions and engage the imagination. The works reflect the human condition, raise moral questions, and encourage audiences to wrestle with life’s mysteries.

Here is a list into this year’s wonderful play: 

Death of a Snowman 

In this tale, an 11-year-old girl named Charlotte explores the universal question, “What is the meaning of life?” with her snowman friend. The play delicately explores grief, inviting the audience to reflect on life’s unanswerable mysteries.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Draw a Lion 

This play challenges audiences to draw without fear—both literally and metaphorically. It is a celebration of childlike wonder, reminding us to embrace authenticity and joy over perfection and fear.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Life/Choice 

This play takes a bold look at hope in the face of division under a political tension. It examines the middle ground—the space where disagreement persists but hope for mutual understanding survives. It calls for a nuanced, compassionate approach in an increasingly polarized world.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Romeo Revisited 

With its “Trigger Warning: Comedic Medical Emergencies,” this play offers a strange twist on Shakespeare. Its slapstick humor reminds us of the power of laughter.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Glass Child 

This tender story amplifies the often-unseen struggles of “glass children”—those who quietly shoulder burdens while their voices go unheard. It calls us to listen deeply and love fully with people.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Dancing With Two Left Feet 

Through its exploration of choice and regret, this play encourages audiences to seize the moment and live fully in the present. It is a reminder that the time for living is now, and fear of imperfection should never hold us back.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Mercy as a Mother on a Child 

It is a biblical story of Hagar and Ishmael, this play reflects on themes of sacrifice, love, and being truly seen. It challenges the audience to honor the individuality behind every role, just as “the One who sees me” does.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Assault Toast 

This satirical play dives into humanity’s obsession with security. It is absurd premise—centered on the mysterious “assault toast”—offers a clever critique of modern anxieties.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

Fall Shorts is more than a show of talent. It is a testament to the transformative power of theatre. The performances provide students with opportunities to grow as holistic theatre artists, whether working on-stage, backstage, or beyond. The performance encourages audiences to engage with big ideas through empathy and creativity, all while glorifying God through the art of storytelling. The Fall Shorts Performance is an invitation to witness not just stories, but reflections of our shared humanity—an experience that reminds us of the beauty, complexity, and hope found in life.

Photo Courtesy of Becca Schemenski

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