-
p6-jpg.jpg
About the author:
"This 4th semester Mass Communication student is in big trouble, she's still unsure of what she wants to do after graduating! Loves writing but also needs to consider her incurable addiction to theatre. Aspires to be successful and to enjoy whatever she ends up doing."
Last month, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre's (KLPAC) Theater for Young People (T4YP) ensemble performed a play entitled The History of Falling Things.
Reviewed by Belinda Hon Centered around two characters, Robin and Jackie, the play is ultimately a study on cyber romance. They both have a fear of falling satellites (keraunothnetophobia), which causes them to hole themselves up in their rooms, rarely (or never) venturing past their doorsteps. The unlikely duo meet in an online chat room, where they find out that they both have the same fear. Communicating mostly through video webcam, they confide in each other, finding solace in knowing that there is someone else out there who echoes their fears. Ironically, the fear that brings them together is the same fear that keeps them apart. The pair begin a tentative relationship, but things are complicated by their fears. Neither of them are willing to leave the comfort of their homes, especially Robin, whose fear rules over his decisions. They try taking "internet dating" to a new level by pretending they're on a real romantic dinner date via webcam. This proves to be unsatisfying for Jackie, and she finally gets Robin to agree to meet her at a park. Robin is unable to bring himself to meet her though, and Jackie is left on her own in the park. She goes back home and pleads on webcam for Robin to come back, but does not get any response from him. A moment later though, Robin shows up at her apartment, having finally gathered the courage to meet the one he loves face to face. Though this play was very much about conquering fears and taking necessary risks, it kind of proves to you that nothing done online can ever compare to having the person right in front of you. A lot of us have online conferences and chats and we tend to forget how much better it is to talk in person. We take these things for granted and we can't be blamed for that (after all, the internet does make lot of things more convenient). I guess we just have to keep reminding ourselves that an online relationship may never be as good as the real thing.
- Login or register to post comments
-
Email this page
Printer-friendly version
PDF version
