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By Kathy Carpenter
June 6, 2023 (La Mesa) - "Gioia di vivere!” The joy of living is expressed in Slikworms, Lamplighters Theatre’s latest production, by local playwright Connie Terwilliger. A world premiere, Silkworms represents three generations of women. Silkworms need mulberry leaves to survive; both are interdependent. Similarly, the women in this play need each other for support and love.
The grandmother provides wisdom and guidance, the mother provides love and support and the daughter provides hope and new beginnings. Together, they form a strong and unbreakable bond that sustains them through good times and bad. Silkworms is relatable, humorous and poignant.
Silkworms takes place in New York on Christmas Eve 1966 in the living room of Helen Ingleow. Helen lives with her 89 year old mom, Faye, and is preparing for what she hopes will be the perfect visit with her daughter Claire, and Claire’s boyfriend, Roger. The visit does not go as planned. Being full-time caretaker for her mom, plus her church duties have taken their toll on Helen. Living with Roger and supporting him and his crazy investments has left Claire unhappy and unfulfilled. This slice of life story is the catalyst to bring them together to connect in ways they haven’t before, giving them the emotional strength to move forward with their lives.
Dennis Floyd directs the five-character play. Helen is played by Lesa Sailors, the mother, a character with whom many can identify. Sailors' performance is relatable. Ellen Lawson takes on Faye, the grandma. Faye’s mental capacity is fading. Lawson delivers the audience's favorite character, a lovable, wise old woman. Erin Collins is Claire, the daughter, who feels she grew up with a lack of love expressed, thus taking in strays, people she hopes will show her love in appreciation of her help. That brings us to Roger, played by Walter Ruskin. His role is a character everyone thinks of as unworthy. Ruskin does a wonderful job with the role. Add one more character to the mix: Handyman Henry, played by Geoffry Graeme. He is a retired attorney who fought his own demons and now lives a simplistic life he loves. He is a sounding board to the women, offering words of wisdom they need to hear. Overall, this is a strong and powerful cast.
In conclusion, Silkworms is a refreshing and empowering journey of resilient women who overcome their challenges with the support of each other. Silkworms go through a four-stage life cycle, from egg to larva to pupa to adult. Women also go through a cyclical process, from birth to childhood to adulthood to death. Silkworms and women are both so delicate, yet so strong. This play is recommended for those who love stories of connection and transformation.
Along with the production of Silkworms, Lamplighters is offering a raffle for the beautiful artwork of Ukrainian artist Vira Ustianska. Vera and her daughter are staying with local playwright Connie Terwilliger until they can return home their war-torn country. Supporting herself with her art, Ustianska created a piece for the show that serves as program cover. The raffle of the painting will be held after the final show.
Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa
Silkworms
June 2 - June 18, 2023
Box office
619.303.5092
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