The Nov. 6 midterm elections are just around the corner, and the stakes are high. A deep political divide exists between Americans. In order to determine the true will of the people, folks on all sides of the aisle are being urged to vote and make their voices heard.
Wandering Aesthetics Theatre Company (WA) is doing its part to get the word out about the vote and about “Joy of Voting: Winner Takes All.”
WA’s co-artistic director Benjamin Rexroad explained, “Launched two years ago with Knight Foundation support, Citizen University, a non-profit based in Seattle, piloted its ‘Joy of Voting’ program in four cities for the November 2016 general election. The project has expanded to additional cities, including four locations for midterm elections in 2018. The ‘Joy of Voting’ project derives its vision from an article in The Atlantic written by Citizen University founder and CEO Eric Liu, in which he argues that it’s possible to revive 18th and 19th century practices of raucous, participatory activity and pageantry around elections in an inclusive 21st century way.”
“Instead of ‘eat your vegetables’ or ‘do your duty,’ voting should feel more like ‘join the club,’” said Liu. “Or, better yet, ‘join the party.’”
“Joy of Voting: Winner Takes All” is a boxing-ring-style debate between opponents Ima B. Voting and Don T. Matters going back and forth in the ring delivering body punches and uppercuts on their voting stances until someone reigns supreme.
Sometimes called the “Princess of the Polls,” debater Ima B. Voting (Nico Romo) is earnest and idealistic. She uses her platform to extol the virtues of the vote.
Debater Don T. Matters (Kyle Jozsa) is filled with apathy and mistrust for the vote, so much so that he plans to spend Election Day binge watching The West Wing instead of going to the polls. Beware, as he will try his level best to get you to do the same.
“Joy of Voting: Winner Takes All” is full of hilarious, slapstick humor, but its winner is yet to be determined. That result will be revealed on election day. Personally, I’m-a root for Ima!
DATES AND TIMES:
Oct. 27, 2:30 p.m. (Kenmore Branch Library • 969 Kenmore Blvd.)
Nov. 1, 7 p.m. (Unitarian Universalist Church • 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn)
Nov. 5, 7 p.m. (The Center • 118 W. Market St. Akron)
For info about the show: www.facebook.com/events/254934225212274/
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. The polls are open between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. To find your polling place, visit www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters/toolkit/polling-location/.
