The "Giver" (Gary S. Martinez) passes on his collected memories and emotions to Jonas (Grant Jordan) in "The Giver." (Image by: Barry Wisdom)

“Imagine there's no countries ... It isn't hard to do ... Nothing to kill or die for ... And no religion, too ... Imagine all the people living life in peace.”

In “The Giver,” playwright Eric Coble’s adaptation of Lois Lowry’s 1993 Newberry Medal award-winning novel, John Lennon’s concept of a Utopia free of conflict where all the people share all the world has come to pass.

There have been a few compromises on the way to this “same” new world, however. Yes, war and want are things of the past. But there is also no passion, no feverish love — and no choices.

Genetic engineers have even rendered all people colorblind as a means to further homogenize a once-disparate (and desperate) society.

Opening Saturday, Jan. 14, as part of the B Street Theatre’s Family Series, “The Giver” looks at the flipside of such a reality – a view of the emotional turmoil facing children who have been taught to conform since birth, and who are then faced at the dawn of adolescence with integrating their emerging gifts as individuals.

“This is a coming-of-age story about a boy deciding his own fate, and the consequences that come with it,” said director Laura Baker. “This is also a show about censorship, about choice. If we take away the ability to choose, we take away what it means to be human.”

“We follow Jonas (Grant Jordan), who has just reached the age of 12, and is assigned the coveted position of ‘Receiver of Memories.’ Through this knowledge that he receives from the previous receiver, who’s now called ‘The Giver’ (Gary S. Martinez), it changes his life and society entirely.”

“He’s absolutely frightened by it,” continued Baker, 23, a B Street artistic associate who graduated from the company’s internship program for directors in 2011. “His society doesn’t understand what it means. It’s a position of honor, but not of power. It sets you apart, so it’s something to fear.

“They spend their childhoods being part of a group. They don’t know how to be individuals.”

A change of pace from previous B Street Family Series offerings that have been heavy on laughs and history lessons, “The Giver” has been called controversial due to its comparatively mature subject matter.

It’s a label that Baker doesn’t completely agree with.

“We don’t give kids the credit they deserve,” said Baker, who recommends the play for ages 10 and older. “It’s a story that they can fully relate to.”

JUST THE FACTS

WHAT: The B Street Theatre's Family Series production of "The Giver," Eric Coble's stage adaptation  of Lois Lowry's 1993 novel
WHEN: Previews 1 p.m. Jan. 14; opens 4 p.m. Jan. 14; continues through Feb. 19 with performances at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 4 p.m. Sundays
WHERE: B Street Theatre B3 Stage, 2727 B St., Sacramento
DIRECTOR: Laura Baker
CAST: Grant Jordan (Jonas); Gary S. Martinez (The Giver); Brittni Barger (Lily); Erika Lecaj (Fiona/Rosemary); Brandon Alexander (Asher); Jason Kuykendall (Father); Elisabeth Nunziato (Mother/Elder)
TICKETS: $13-$22 ($7-$10 preview)
INFORMATION: (916) 443-5300, www.bstreettheatre.org

 

photographs by Barry WIsdom