'Culture of Fear' Central Theme to Play by Newly Formed Wallis Youth Theater Company in Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The newly formed Wallis Youth Theater Company presents its inaugural theater production "Word of Mouth" — a devised physical theater piece that asks audiences to examine the role words play in creating a culture of fear and division, or a culture of empathy and unity — on Jan. 28 and 29 in the Lovelace Studio Theater at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.

Directed by Madeleine Dahm, "Word of Mouth" is an experimental work that was born of the youth theater members’ reactions to recent political and social events across the world, and their desire to question the normalization of verbal violence.

Integrating text, movement, mask and music, it is an uncompromising and sometimes satirical look at truth, fear and the power of words. The narrative of "Word of Mouth" is drawn from multiple sources and includes: individual testimonials, newspaper articles (The New York Times, Washington Post, The Independent, London Times), excerpts from United Nations delegate speeches and the human rights speeches of Nobel Peace Prize honoree Aung San Suu Kyi. Due to sophisticated language and some adult content, the recommendation age is 15 and over.

“Our actors have channeled their deep concerns about the current political and social climate to create a powerful new work,” said Mark Slavkin, director of education at The Wallis. “I am very proud that The Wallis is able to invest in young artists and provide a safe space for their talents to be cultivated and their voices to be honored.”

“As we find ourselves in an era of Post-Truth, often overwhelmed by propaganda that is rooted in fear, isolationism and hate, it is vital that we create a space in the arts for the insights, perspectives and courageous experiences of the young,” said Dahm.

The Wallis Youth Theater Company’s mission is to cross boundaries, and with an ethos of collaboration, create thoughtful and provocative work that is rooted in humanity. The youth company is comprised of young actors aged 17 – 23. Drawn from across Los Angeles, these artists come from diverse backgrounds and experiences but are connected by their passion for theater and the arts. The Company aims to provide a place for young actors to work as an ensemble, learn cutting edge creative practices, develop innovative and socially conscious work and be engaged with the local community.

Single tickets for Word of Mouth are now available for $20. Student tickets are available for $10 (with a valid ID). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TheWallis.org, call 310.746.4000, or stop by in person at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Services located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Ticket prices subject to change.

-- News release from the Wallis. Courtesy photo.