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Amerikana
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Amerikana
By Staff Writer

Amerikana is a series of seven satirical one-act plays written by Jason Brain. Produced and directed by Valley Scene Magazine's own Jonathon Freeman-Anderson, Amerikana examines the themes within the U.S.'s amalgamated culture and turns them on their head. Interspersed with music and poetry, Amerikana is performing in the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall in the University Student Union at the campus of California State University Northridge. With comedy, music, poetry, romance, and fun guaranteed, how would anyone miss this entertainment extravaganza?

Amerikana is free admission, but is assigned seating. Audience members can pick up tickets at the Associated Students ticket office next to the theatre in the middle of the USU, across from the pub. Featuring a collaboration of multiple departments including theatre, film, music, and art, as well as, many alumni and members of the local Northridge community, Amerikana is the largest student-produced play to ever be presented at CSUN. In collaboration with the Theatre Guild, University Student Union, and Associated Students, Amerikana provides the opportunity for novice performers and experienced veterans, alike, to share the stage and grow within this mutually beneficial process.

Featuring a large multi-talented, multi-cultural, cast, Amerikana explores a variety of ideas permeating society. Certain ideas are more controversial than others are, but ultimately everyone in the U.S. should appreciate, relate, or at the very least comprehend the themes and feelings of Amerikana.

The first scene, "Synapse," deals with the impulse nature of American culture, how simple and surreal life can be given and taken away. "Synapse" draws in the whole audience creating a swirl of chaos and confusion to equal out to an even, balanced understanding of how to cope with the unknown existence that is reality.

Following "Synapse," is the cute, clever scene, "Recess," where four kindergarteners quarrel over the misuse and misunderstanding of powerful words. As witnessed in the news and in political interactions around the world, simple sound bytes and opinions given are consistently taken out of context and blown up to ridiculous proportions. Sometimes these small, modest moments intended for the privacy of only one or a few are stretched to such a degree of importance that the reaction is as silly as a group of kindergarteners assuming tickling and rape are the same thing.

The next scene, "Bus stop," explores the idea of Karma and interconnectedness. Within a few short moments, two complete strangers are engaged in a relationship as deep as that of soul mates. How or why these events happen is a mystery to most people, but the fact that energy and similar circumstances can unknowingly drive two people into each other's arms, as far Hollywood has shown, is not so mysterious. This scene, debatably, will show how there is hope for anyone to find true love from nothing. Who knows what will be around the next corner that will change life forever with a simple smile. Take advantage of every opportunity because no one ever truly knows what they have got until it's gone. One may be stuck forever scouring bus stops searching for that one person that impressed him or herself upon life like a permanent scar.

The last scene before intermission, "Zen FM," is an extraordinary work of physical comedy based upon the conflict of conservative and liberal ideals. Focusing on the nature of the universe to send out a wavelength of spiritual energy that to some is so tangible that they could dance to it, "Zen FM," asks an audience what it would take to believe the unbelievable and just let loose. Some may find this easier to accomplish than others may.

After intermission, "Case of Our Lifetime," exposes the corporate, disposable quality of society that places value on life based on its mass appeal and effectiveness for continued existence. Imagine the first child born under corporate control and sponsorship who literally becomes the poster child for a new world order. It is not too far from reality now. Who knows what tomorrow will hold with stem cell research and advancements in cloning?

The next scene, "Saks Sixth Ave." deals with identity theft and the simplistic nature of consumerism that blinds most from what really matters. Finally, "Grandma's Dead" shows the 21st century family dynamic and how a family effectively copes with loss to grow closer together. To understand one's place and importance in a family, as well as, one's own mortality is a day-to-day struggle, a humbling idea that has an extraordinary amount of humor within it.

Take advantage of "Amerikana," free, December 11, 8PM, in the Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall at CSUN, on Zelzah, between Nordhoff and Lassen. Then, catch "Amerikana" this winter in North Hollywood for a full price ticket. Enjoy a humorous perspective of American culture, today!

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