It's 10:30 at night as I write this. I'm usually asleep by now, but something rare has happened. You see, I don't watch a lot of plays that require me to think. Sure, Hamilton and Wicked have messages and metaphors that are worth exploring in depth, but mostly I listen to their albums because I enjoy the music and visualizing the incredible choreography. I don't typically listen to my favorite musical again because I want to think deeply.
But Good Kids is different. The play, by Naomi Iizuka and directed by our very own Kyle Gilette, made me think. It made me uncomfortable, squirming in my seat - not because its story was explicitly gruesome or farfetched, but because it was so relevant.
I consider myself a Good Kid. I consider my friends to be Good Kids. But I could imagine all of us taking part in the narrative that the Trinity University Players presented.
I don't want to spoil the show, so long story short - young people get drunk and make stupid decisions like drunk young people do, and one girl finds herself the victim of an unwanted sexual encounter... that goes viral.
One doesn't have to look far to find a similar scenario. Does Brock Turner ring a bell? Or perhaps a friend or family member? I have friends, and I'm sure you, my dear reader, do as well, who don't remember some nights. Who woke up in strange rooms with strange people and strange memories from the night before.
Good Kids does not portray the young woman as an innocent victim or the guys as evildoers - just like in reality, the characters are multi-faceted high schoolers who care about football and passing AP Chemistry. The play never reveals exactly what happened to Chloe, nor does it take sides.
Were the boys to blame? Should her friends have kept a closer eye on her? Is Chloe responsible for what happened to her? What about the bystanders? The person who provided the alcohol? The parents? The teachers? The media? That's what I can't stop thinking about -- because there are no clear-cut answers. Unlike many stories that are wrapped up nice and neat with a pretty red bow, Good Kids leaves you to pick up the pieces and decide for yourself.
Most people don't want to talk about college rape. After our school's first presentation on campus rape, I don't think I've heard anyone discuss it. But college students will inevitably find themselves in situations that get out of hand, and people need to have these discussions.
Every Trinity student should see Good Kids. Not only do the actors do an amazing job -- no one seems to over or under act and everyone comes across as a relatable high school student -- but the play is a reminder about the dangers of letting loose in our constantly connected world.
Even if you're curled up in a midterm panic-induced ball of stress, take an hour to see a play that will challenge you to think about partying and social media and consent and responsibility. See a play that will challenge you about what constitutes the "goodness" of every good kid you know. Go see a play that will make you look back on your own life and wonder...
Am I a Good Kid?
Information about curtain calls and the Trinity University Players can be found here.
