Who in the world decided playing was just for children? That at a certain age responsibility must take its place? Play defines the joy of childhood and we let responsibility define "what it means to be an adult." With this "one or the other" mindset, our lives will lack the balance we need to be healthy, no matter our age. All work and no play can plunge us into misery, feeling as if we are always carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. However, too much play and the neglect of responsibility in our lives can lead to chaos and losing what and who we hold dear.

Peter Pan tells us the story of Wendy, the girl who wants to grow up too fast, and Peter, the boy who wants to never grow up. Throughout the play these two extreme attitudes exemplify the need for balance of play and responsibility. We see Wendy attempt to be responsible for everyone and everything, doing so in the manner of her tightly buttoned up role models, Mr. & Mrs. Darling. In spite of the fun and freedom from his play and games, Peter is alone and floating in the world without anyone to support him. He puts on a false air of apathy and nonchalance for anything beyond his frolicking about, and ends up driving Wendy and his friends away.

There have been many studies that advocate for play based learning for kids and show the importance of play at any age and stage in our lives. Despite that evidence, we as adults tend to overcrowd our lives with responsibility. The moment we think about "taking that dance class just for fun" or "learning to do parkour just for the heck of it," our inner critic shuts it down with all the things you "should" be doing as a responsible adult. However, finding a balance of the two is what creates both joy and a fulfilling life. 

My plea to you is this: come, sit with us for a while, watch these students embody the characters in this timeless tale and let them remind you how to play. We hope you leave with a smile on your face and hope in your heart; hope for a future with a little more laughter, a little more empathy, a lot more play.

Performance: Saturday, May 25 4pm. Get your tickets today!