I love coming to Bristol Riverside Theatre. I and You by Lauren Gunderson made my Sunday Funday an afternoon I won’t forget. This play is all about the power of human connection. The plot twist at the end had my mouth literally open. This production is happening now until February 13th.
Safety Protocols
All patrons are required to show proof of vaccination. There is also the requirement of wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose the entire performance. Theatres want to keep the arts going during this time without interruptions.
I and You- Main Characters
I and You is all about two teenagers. Carolina played by Silvia Dionicio is ill. She hasn’t been in school in quite some time. As she is in seclusion she relies on social media to keep her updated with the lives of those around her. Carolina gets an unexpected visit from a classmate Anthony played by J.J Wilks. to work on a class project. Carolina is completely taken back as she hasn’t received any correspondence regarding the project.
Carolina’s Demeanor
Right off the bat you notice how snarky and mean Carolina is towards Anthony. If you have ever been around anyone who is fighting a long term sickness or disease this is common. The way in which her life has been turned upside down is understandable. She is also dealing with the separation of her parents. She internalizes that the separation is due to her sickness and the long term stress that caregivers go through as they assist in situations such as this. Like Carolina many of us understood the isolation that many of us felt in the cusp of the lockdown. The inability to live life like we have known it is very similar. Many of us not being able to seen friends or family was demonstrated through Carolina’s demeanor. The re-integration of life as we went from lockdown to this new normal.
Anthony
Anthony enters the scene and he comes off as a typical teen. He has a project and he has “volunteered” to be the one to work with Carolina. He takes a next level of patience as he tries to be understanding of what Carolina is going through. From the waffle fries to the usage of Walt Whitman’s poetry Leaves of Grass who would have thought these two teenagers was different but alike at the same time.
Timing and Interaction
Like real life its important to understand the concept of timing. Even that which makes no sense makes a full circle moment with the right timing of interaction. This is how chance encounters. They stir in us things that mundane interactions don’t. Carolina and Anthony’s interactions are calculated and unexpected at the same time. It’s through their interactions and the help of a turtle light that the ending will snatch your thoughts of what happened. I and You will challenge your perception of what you thought you saw or heard. Its simple entanglement is refreshing and complex at the same time.
Bristol Riverside’s Production Team
Bristol Riverside Theatre never disappoints in their quality of production. This play takes place in Carolina’s room the entire time or so you think. The production team did an amazing job with the stage. I was impressed. By the end, I was floored in amazement.
As always with Bristol Riverside Theatre you can purchase season or individual tickets. Bristol Riverside remains a standard in professionalism, quality, and entertainment. The last production I was at was Skeleton Crew
If you are unable to attend this production but want to donate, please do. Tickets for I and You are on sale now and this production ends February 13th. Be sure to get tickets as soon as possible.
Thank you to Bristol Riverside Theatre, Carrie Gorn, and Aversa PR for the invitation.
