#Courage is an original play that I wrote and directed which explores the changing nature of democracy in today’s digitally-connected age. Inspired by the Arab Spring, the non-linear and devised play examines the socio-political implications of “digitally democratized” revolutions borne out of the rise of social networks like Facebook and Twitter and the advent of widespread high-speed internet. #Courage made its debut in 2011 alongside Peaches and Freon: A Musical as part of Mask & Bauble Dramatic Society‘s Donn B. Murphy One-Acts Festival, an annual festival of student-written work.
“#Courage’s” crew makes excellent use of special effects, including digital backdrops coordinated with the script itself and jarring sound effects such as gunshots to ensure that viewers are fully invested in the play. Food is even distributed at one point, but when individual audience members are targeted for their reactions to the handout, they understand the bread is more than just a mid-performance snack. (The Hoya)
Gunshots and police brutality paint the reality of the revolutions, while a scene of two academics boxing—based on a series of articles from Foreign Affairs—show how removed the debates over social media have become. If #Courage tells us anything, it’s that Facebook and Twitter are useless without their users. “As a Georgetown student, politics is never away from you,” said Lie. “A play like this is perfect for the Georgetown community.” (Georgetown Voice)
According to Lie, the play’s complex social themes were rooted in the strength of the individual. “Facebook and Twitter are tools,” Lie said, “but people have to use them. The real focus is on the human spirit.” (The Georgetowner)
(Photos by Hansky Santos)
#Courage Production Credits (2011):
WRITER/DIRECTOR Swedian Lie
PRODUCER Elizabeth Robbins
CAST Tade Anzalone // Victoria Glock-Molloy // Katie Bellamy Mitchell //
Helen Rave // Katie Rosenberg // Jack Schmitt // Addison Williams
STAGE MANAGER Becca Nadler
SCENIC, SOUND & PROJECTION DESIGN Swedian Lie
LIGHTING COORDINATOR Kate Williams
COSTUME COORDINATOR Michael Holper
