Preview of “Boycott Esther” by Emily Acker

Boycott Esther is the production for anyone who has any online social media account. Directed by Maura Krause, it’s a play for anyone who wants to be relevant in any way and use social media to do so. It’s the manual for influencers. The safety protocol of thinking before you hit send is key. Thinking and pausing which so many regret to do in order to be relevant and in the know, could come at a cost. This play is about how your social media stamp can have a dynamic impact on your real life persona and vice versa.

Acker was hired by the Weinstein Company in 2016 to do a pilot remake of a British sitcom they own the rights to. As the project was wrapping up and to be sold, the allegations came out and the Me Too movement was born. Her project, as well as others, were then cancelled or didn’t move forward due to what was happening with the larger company. Acker was left to balance her personal disappointment vs. feelings of solidarity with the movement and empathy toward the women speaking out. It’s also about looking into the #MeToo movement and other social movements and the use of social media to take a stand or to evoke harsh and real realities onto others. Words matter. How we utilize our words especially on difficult topics matter too. Feeling strongly about an issue and having a set of core beliefs matter, just ask Esther. Will we be boycotting Esther?

What would you do if you were Esther? You’re young and tech savvy and you get your first major break? Before the ink could dry on your contract you’re being hit with major accusations of your boss/idol. Would you support the person you knew just because the allegations didn’t define who you perceived your boss to be? Do you stand and hold to your core values? Also what about those accused? It’s certainly taboo to think that someone can recover from such atrocities.

Boycott Esther is going to make you reconsider having to speak loudly on social media without consideration of what the boldness of your voice could cost. You are going to get the flip side of the accused. Is their empathy for them? Can you humanize with each side? Boycott Esther is the must see and to be honest it’s a piece that needs to be shown even to high school age kids too. It’s about teaching others the consequences of our social media lives.

Also did you know that Azuka Theatre follows a pay what you decide format? This makes seeing this production and many others like this affordable. With that being said if you believe in the arts you also can choose to donate. There are some amazing hard working artist and your generous support means everything!

Boycott Esther is funny, timely, thought provoking and should be a crash course for all social media handlers!!

Thank you to the staff of Azuka Theatre, the playwright Emily Acker, Director Maura Krause, the Cast of Boycott Esther, and Aversa PR for an amazing night. I had a great time with great hospitality. I definitely encourage all of my followers to see this play as all great things come to an End and your last time to see this will be May 19, 2019!! Don’t delay as you will never forget this amazing play-trust me!