Pen, Paint & Pretzels' spring major production, "How I Learned to Drive," opens tonight in Balch Arena Theater. The show, written by American playwright Paula Vogel, was first performed in 1997 and follows the story of a young girl, introduced to us as Lil' Bit (played by sophomore Tessa Barlow-Ochshorn) through her childhood and adolescence in Maryland.
Simultaneously manipulated and neglected by her dysfunctional family, Lil' Bit becomes entangled in a highly complicated and inappropriate relationship with her uncle, Peck (junior Andy De Leon). Following a non-chronological timeline, "How I Learned to Drive" traces the arc of their encounters, from the first time he molests her to their driving lessons together in his car, ultimately demonstrating the effects of his disturbing abuse on her adult life.
Though its difficult subject matter makes "How I Learned to Drive" a challenging show on several levels, director Hannah Deegan, a junior, says the questions of consent that it raises were one of the reasons she chose to direct this play.
"Considering the climate on campus right now [it seemed relevant]," Deegan said. "Our sexual assault policy is changing [and] we had Eve Ensler [author of 'The Vagina Monologues' (1996)] come [to campus recently]. There is another thesis production coming up in April about sexual assault on college campuses, so it really felt like the right time to make this a part of the conversation."
"How I Learned to Drive" is also notable for allowing a woman's voice to take center stage -- both through Vogel's lines and Lil' Bit's character. Though Peck is undoubtedly a powerful figure, multiple monologues and voiceovers put the show's women firmly in the driver's seat, at least when it comes to the narrative. Notably, "How I Learned to Drive" is also one of a handful of 3P's major productions in the last few years written by female playwrights.
"'How I Learned to Drive' stuck out to me firstly as such a strong female voice," Deegan said. "So much of literature and theater is male-centric, and Lil' Bit has such a strong voice. She really spoke volumes to me."
The setting, which promises an ultimately misleadingly safe and familiar environment for both Lil' Bit and the audience, is also a significant part of Deegan's vision for the show. The sloping shape of Balch Arena, as well as pieces of the set, emphasize the suburban and family setting that is at the epicenter of some of the most troubling aspects of the "How I Learned to Drive." According to freshman stage manager Tom Morin, the colorful, miniature houses that hang above the stage were designed to evoke the feeling of a suburban neighborhood, giving audience members the impression of looking down into the scenes that make up Lil' Bit's life and home: Peck's car, her bedroom, the kitchen table. Onstage projections also help to anchor non-chronological scenes in time and place.
Despite some of the challenges of the show, cast and crew members alike have high hopes for the upcoming performances. Sophomore Artoun Festekjian, who plays a member of the Greek Chorus in the production, said that he has enjoyed the cast experience.
"We got into it right from the get-go ... and I think the finished product looks really good," he said.
The performances will also give students a chance to respond to the show, with talkbacks attended by members of Action for Sexual Assault Prevention, directors from "The Vagina Monologues," representatives from Hillel initiative Moral Voices and the leadership of the upcoming thesis production on sexual assault. Performances of "How I Learned to Drive" will be held at Balch Arena on March 6, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the Aidekman Box Office or by calling 617-627-3493.
