Often Banned Book,"The Giver" Presented Locally This Month

The Giver is part of the DCP Theatre's 60+ season commitment to present stories to a wide range of audiences in the community. Some mature themes are addressed in this particular play and it may not be appropriate for very young children. Please do not let that deter you from enjoying a dynamic performance in an affordable local theater, for the performing arts are not to be missed. Community theater often allows the opportunity for the arts to grow and flourish, while inspiring young and aspiring actors alike.

The cast and crew are all local performers and professionals who are committed to the challenge of telling this story in a light that reflects the authors inspirational intent.

• The Giver a book by Lois Lowry adapted by Eric Coble (Family Theater)
• https://www.dcptheatre.com/the-giver
• Playing October 26th, 27th and 28th.

This particular play was adapted by Eric Coble from a book by Lois Lowry. In her Newbery Award acceptance speech, she also explains that writing in the direction of such risk is sometimes quite worth it—a message that is, in fact, at the very core of The Giver: “The Giver passed along to the boy knowledge, history, memories, color, pain, laughter, love, and truth. Every time you place a book in the hands of a child, you do the same thing. It is very risky. But each time a child opens a book, he pushes open the gate that separates him from Elsewhere. It gives him choices. It gives him freedom. Those are magnificent, wonderfully unsafe things.”

Novelist Dennis Miller noted that banning a book is often counterproductive. In a Huffington Post article, he notices that, “When you ban a book you draw attention to it. You create a desire…Tell me I can’t have something because it is bad for me and I want it more. We all crave the forbidden.”
In parallel, when Jonas receives the encompassing memories from The Giver, it triggers his desire for the void to be replenished and his society to be awakened.

From the The Giver Playbill:

Jim Bingley plays The Giver (Left) "is delighted to be returning to the DCP stage. He last performed in the Methacton Community Theatre production of Beauty and the Beast this summer. Earlier roles here at DCP include Pellinore in Camelot and Jim Duncan / Snooty waiter in Miracle on 34th Street. He is happy to do his part for his friend Chris' directorial debut, and thanks him, his castmates, and the crew for their support. It is also a joy to be onstage with his family. His messages to you: (1) hope you enjoy the show; and (2) VOTE!"

Christian Sibel plays Jonas (Right) "is 13 years old and currently in 7th grade. He has always loved performance arts. His first stage experience role was at the age of 5 when he played Little Pig #1 in The Big Bad Musical and his most recent role was Gaston in the Beauty and the Beast musical production at PVMS West. Christian is active in school chorus, and enjoys playing violin, ukulele, and the guitar. Christian thanks his mother, father, and brother for always supporting him. Enjoy the show!"