Toronto Online Review: 'Right Here, Write Now' Festival at Young People's Theatre
Young People’s Theatre Festival opens with a touching production ‘The Girl, Her Mum and the Raccoon with No Name’ by Kevin Dyer
Aaron Kropf, Associate Toronto Critic
During this time of social and physical distancing, live theatres are doing what they can to keep their audiences entertained. Young People’s Theatre (YPT) is no exception with the Right Here, Write Now Festival and its online streaming of three different productions during the week of May 25. Monday night was the first show, and what a way to kick off a new online play festival.
It's intriguing during this time of isolation how much can be accomplished in a matter of a few weeks. Kevin Dyer penned a fantastic story of a young person dealing with life during quarantine in The Girl, Her Mum and The Raccoon with No Name. Young girl, Carrie (Eponine Lee) has had enough of the questions from her parents while she is stuck at home. She tries to make sense of what is happening in the world around her; things have changed and relationships are strained, particularly the one she has with her mother (Nina Lee Aquino).
Carrie’s mother returns home from the hospital every day and gives her daughter the third degree to ensure she has done all she was supposed to do during the day. While trying to get away from her family Carrie writes a story about a raccoon that has locked himself into his treehouse. By telling the audience her story and the story of the raccoon with no name, she comes to the realization that not only is she the only one experiencing anxiety as a result of the changes that have happened but also her mum might be as well in dealing with all the sick people at the hospital.
For a piece written in such a short time Dyer wrote a twenty-minute play of character depth which became emotional for me. From the moment Carrie enters the room and pulls the duvet over her, I was pulled in. The stress she shares with the audience is sharply felt. Carrie realizes that her mother’s struggles resulting from work are not like hers. As a parent myself, what is moving for me is the coming together of mother and daughter even though their struggles are different. In watching the story unfold, I recognized how easy it is to get wrapped up in our worries and forget that those who have been the closest to us during these times of isolation and quarantine might also experience stress. One again as a parent, I want to do everything I can for my children to relieve any anxieties during these difficult times, yet I must also recognize not to create more or different worries. Dyer’s production is an important reminder to check in with children and find ways to help them if necessary.
Eponine Lee shines as Carrie. It is easy to feel her struggles with her parents, missing school, and getting to be with her friends. It is clear she is struggling in wanting a better relationship with her parents. The moment she realizes that her mother might be having some of the same struggles is touching. I wanted to reach out and tell her everything was going to be okay. Nina Lee Aquino is wonderful during her brief time on screen. It is nice to see both real life mother and daughter comfort each other.
‘The Girl, Her Mum and The Raccoon with No Name’ is a smart introduction to the Right Here, Write Now Festival. Join YPT for the next two productions at 7:00 p.m. on May 27 and 29. If this is any indication of what is to come, we are in for some wonderful theatre right in our homes.
This production is available until June 30 online here. Please if you have any young person it would be wise to watch with them. This production is recommended for ages 9-13.