Playhouse Announces Teen Night - 'Oblivion' Focuses on Families

Carly Mensch’s Oblivion has its world premiere tonight at the Westport Country Playhouse and it is sure to resonate with audience members of all ages. In a discussion of her work, Ms. Mensch was asked why she chose to write about families. She pointed out that it’s a powerful theme and one that the audiences can relate to “whether your family works or doesn’t work.” Oblivion’s full story is being kept tightly under wraps, but from what has been released it promises to be a story that explores exactly how flexible some ‘cool’ Brooklyn parents turn out to be when they discover their daughter Julie has lied to them.

The relationship between parents and children--and its inherent  joys, struggles and challenges-- is an experience that all audience members are familiar with. They might reflect on their role as a teen growing up in their unique household or they may reflect on their role as parents and grandparents. Aidan Kunze, the sixteen year-old actor playing Julie’s friend, noted that “this play is about a girl’s relationship with her parents and their belief systems [so it] makes you question what you believe.”

Ms. Mensch said having an actor who is a teenager added depth to the role she created. In development for the past four years, she often recruited her youthful-looking friends to read the teenage parts in Oblivion. Watching Aidan onstage, Ms. Mensch saw how much he contributed a “vulnerability and authenticity” to the role. Having young actors such as Mr. Kunze and his fellow actor, Katie Broad, who plays Julie, also gives Fairfield County younger theatergoers relatable characters. While many plays deal exclusively with the toils and disillusionment of middle-age, Oblivion bridges the gap in the theater between generations. Teens and adults alike can understand the tension between parents and children. In light of this, the Playhouse is working to open the play up to its teen audience by hosting “Teen Night” on August 28 at 6:30 PM. Teens will participate in a Q&A with Ms. Broad and Mr. Kunze. They are also encouraged to write a reflection about the play which will be posted to the Westport Country Playhouse’s social media sites. Pizza and soda will be served. Teens receive one complimentary ticket and additional tickets for their family may be purchased at a 50 percent discount.

Oblivion promises to appeal to a broad audience and bring some fresh, new work to the Playhouse. Ms. Mensch commented in a talkback that she hopes audiences leave her plays “inspired and energized” and that they “have an experience.” Check back soon for a review of Oblivion to hear about the experience it delivers.