a real saturday night out

i always thought my time would come.
little did i know, my time had passed.
- "I Decide" by Stuart Knight

The truth is, television, movies, and theatre today have become too commercialized. Producers rely on grand sets, elaborate productions, and a deluge of drama to attract audiences. Take, for example, the influx of reality shows that tackle people's insecurities and cosmetic surgery. Sure, shows like The Swan and Extreme Makeover are entertaining at times, but it disturbs me to think that these people feel the need to change everything about themselves in order to gain a sense of self-worth.

But I digress.

What I really wanted to write about is a little show called I Decide. In the midst of all the commercialism that surrounds theatre nowadays, there are still some gems that rely on nothing but raw talent and a brilliant script. I Decide is one such show.

The play runs every Saturday night at a loft on Queen Street West. The "theater" is simply a room with a makeshift stage and some folding chairs lined in front of it. It almost felt like one of those small-time school productions I watched back in college -- but I suppose that was what made this show more special. The venue is intimate, like you're sitting there listening to a friend tell you his story.

The play revolves around a man who is trying to find out who he is, by first discovering what he's not. Ah, life -- more drama, right? Quite the opposite. Stuart Knight, who wrote the show, was able to deliver his story in a light and immensely entertaining manner. He takes bits and pieces of everyday life, done through spoken word, song, multimedia, beatbox, and a little bit of audience participation. It's funny, it's unique, it's hilarious -- but, it hits you where it counts.

It's just like life, I suppose. Life, despite its many facets, should never be all about the drama -- it should be about living in the moment and basking in all those things that bring sunshine to your life. It's enjoying that stroll in the winter wind as the sun shines its rays gently on you. It's having that late-night conversation with a friend and emerging knowing that person a little bit more. It's finding solace in yourself in your darkest moments. It's squeezing every bit of juice out of life, no matter how humorous, poignant, or painful it may get.

Life is what you make it.

You decide.