UT San Antonio Student Theatre returned on Nov. 20-22 for a production of Lois Lowry’s “The Giver.” With a tight budget and tons of heart, the cast and crew brought together a roughly hour-long stage adaptation of Lowry’s Newbery Medal-winning literary work. In the club’s clever use of lighting, costuming and staging, the scrapiness of the bunch shone through.
UST capitalized on the drab, black and white world in which the story takes place. Costumes, though simple, were highly effective in conveying the dullness of the environment. Actors donned gray sweatpants, gray sweatshirts, black coats and white shoes that paired well with the black and white set pieces to create an immersive setting.
The introductory scene of Jonas, played by Joaquin Lopez, sitting at the dining room table with his father, mother and sister Lily — played by Andrew Padilla, Kristen Nettles and Larsen Harrell respectively — creates a hastened pace in dialogue that feels contrived and rehearsed rather than reactionary. However, once Jonas leaves the table to play catch with his friend Asher, played by Ahmed Hussain, the acting smooths out, thanks to the pair tossing an apple, which introduces an inconsistent action that the actors must adapt to. Hussain brings humor to the production, offering a moment of release from the tense unraveling of the dystopian world’s secrets.
The gradual buildup of the show’s acting achievement reaches new heights when Mogbekeleoluwa Shebioba, donning a silver fraying beard, takes the stage as the titular character, the Giver. Shebioba slows down the pace with a poised cadence, giving the actors a moment to breathe and react with realism. His glide exemplifies his commanding presence across the stage, conveying a calculated, wise man burdened by the memory of those who came before him.
Despite a minuscule budget, UST delivered a pleasant evening that demonstrated the heart and tenacity of UT San Antonio’s student body. Through the mere expression and stage presence, the actors bring to life a tragic and haunting tale.
Given the minimalist aesthetic in their earlier production of “Twelve Angry Men” and their recent adaptation of “The Giver,” perhaps UST will consider staging Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” next.
Follow UST’s Instagram at utsatheatre for more information about the organization’s next show.
