An Unseen Perspective Into an Anorexic Mind

The impending hurricane did not scare away theater-goers from seeing the opening performance of “The Scarecrow” by Lenny Schwartz, put on by the Young Actors Ensemble. 

A local playwright, Schwartz tells the tale of David Moore, a college student who is dealing with his anorexia. Based on a true story, Schwartz takes the audience on a whirlwind through the mind of a man with anorexia and his relationship with his friends and family.

“The Scarecrow” was directed by Rhode Island College senior Rob Roy. Roy has been a member of the Young Actors Ensemble since it was first founded three years ago. Roy directed and acted in the production.

“This is my second time directing a full length production,” Roy said. “While acting is my preference and career choice, I also enjoy being on the other end of things too.”

From the moment audience members enter the auditorium, they are put into the atmosphere of the play. Production pictures hang above the admissions table. Crackers are attached to every program, reminding the audience what the play is about. 

“I think my goal was to put the audience into the world of David Moore and go through the journey with him rather than feeling like someone just watching a play,”  Roy said.

A concession stand was set up in the back of the space with a box for donations. Donations from these performances will be going to the Anorexia and Bulimia Association of Rhode Island.

While usually a combination of high school and college students, this performance featured strictly college students. From the opening monologue to the closing scene, the actors successfully kept the audience hooked to the story, anxious to hear how things would end.

Interspersed throughout the play are bits of comic relief, and the audience is left with some optimisim when the curtian falls. Despite addressing a serious topic that might be depressing for some, Schwartz provides a glimmer of optimism and hope.

“I hope people enjoy it. Simple as that,” said Roy. “At its core, theater is both an art form and a form of entertainment so if nothing else, people should walk out of the theater with a smile on their faces and maybe if we're lucky a slightly different perspective on people with eating disorders.”

Performances will be held August 27th, September 2nd, and September 3rd. Friday performances will be held at 7:30pm. Saturday matinee will be held at 2pm and evening showing will be held at 7:30pm. Tickets are $10.