The earliest known play was an ancient Greek tragedy by the name of “The Persians” that was first performed in 472 BC, almost 2,500 years ago. Since then, clothing, language, mannerisms and society have all changed, but the very essence that theater amplifies has stayed the same: the complexities of human nature. Love, loss, and laughter are all themes that transcend time.
“In the same way literature defines what it means to be human, theater shows us what it means to be human,” said Sergio Castillo, the co-director of Page 2 Stage. This complex history of plays is what makes theatre at WriCampia such a special process to be able to witness.
The Page 2 Stage performance is one of the most coveted evening activities at camp. The writer-performers always create relatable and funny shows that bring joy to the whole camp. For the past couple of years the performances have ranged from 40 minutes to an hour long. There are numerous elements that need to be figured out in such a short amount of time: the script, character development, music, and set; they all play such an important part in the production of the play.
This year’s performance was about a casino heist gone wrong, and incorporating themes of empathy, forgiveness, and friendship. There are a range of different characters like casino owners, gamblers, and high school dropouts. The play comes at a time in history—2025—in which world powers and corporations alike are taking advantage of people in less fortunate situations. This play illustrates the situation, highlighting the stupidity of the few exploiting the many. As Sergio said, “Ultimately, it’s about healing in the face of institutional abuse of power.”
The play also illuminates common personal problems like being judged for something you can’t control or feeling like people don’t listen to you. That’s part of why the play is so relatable; it makes you feel validated. It isn’t all serious though; there are several comedic moments throughout the course of the play. From great timing to lamb-searching crowdwork, there are plenty of haha moments for you to giggle at. ✎
