Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and its effects on society will be portrayed this month in the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at Wausau's production of "Distracted."
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, through Saturday, March 16, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17, in the James F. Veninga Theater in the UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau.
"Distracted," written in 2007 by American playwright Lisa Loomer, examines ADD and other neuro-behavioral issues through the eyes of a mother and father and their nine-year-old son, Jesse. The cast features current and former UW-Stevens Point at Wausau students.
Jesse (Elkin Thao) is diagnosed with ADD by professionals. He has trouble sitting still, tuning in to people and using language appropriate for a boy his age. He also has a rich imagination and, to Mama (Trinity Zynda) and Dad (Jeffery Wegener), at least, an endearing style. Everyone from his teenage babysitter, Natalie (Taiyah Tarter) to his neighbors have various ideas about ADD and its causes and treatments.
"As 'Distracted' develops, with society's reliance on screens, cell phones, video games and 24-hour news cycles accompanying the action, the audience comes to understand that everyone is distracted," said UW-Stevens Point Theatre and Dance Professor Sarah Rudolph, who directs the play. "Even the actors have difficulties staying on task. In two scenes, Loomer creates double identities for some characters to share details of their own treatment."
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and free for UW-Stevens Point students. They may be purchased online at www.uwmc.uwc.edu/arts/theatre or at the UW Center for Civic Engagement box office before each performance.
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