I Am Angel
When Angel was a child, she knew she had wings. She knew she could fly. After telling everyone and enduring mockery, she left her wings on the ground in exchange for fitting in. Now she is in high school, and when she sees her friend Hunter being teased for sharing honest feelings, Angel is torn. Standing up for Hunter now means no longer fitting in, giving up her new possible boyfriend Isaac and alienating the few friends she has. But Angel gains one of the most important insights of all — that she is already loved just for being herself. An Angel Chorus uses rhythm and movement to create a unique theater experience. Flexible cast of 11 to 26+ allowing for doubling or expanding. Runs approximately 40 minutes.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
ALASKA REECE VANCE TALKS ABOUT
“I AM ANGEL”
1. What inspired you to write this play?
We hear the word “bullying” a lot today. And of course it is a big problem. But do we really think about how our day-to-day interactions with peers affect them? Where does bullying begin? It starts small, with a look, a word, a cold shoulder. It is easy to get so wrapped up in our own social groups that we fail to look around and notice who is hurting. Empathy, stepping in another’s shoes, can make a big difference.
2. What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
I’m going to give you two. First of all, I am charmed that Hunter is so specific with his invitation to Laura, asking her to "go out for a salad." He certainly knows what he wants, doesn’t he? On a deeper level Issac’s monologue at the end of the end of the play is a beautiful moment to me. We get to see a glimpse of what’s truly in his heart.
3. Where did the characters come from? Are they based on people you know?
I find parts of myself in many of the characters in this play. I understand being Hunter, different, an outsider. I also understand being Angel and the other teens who are tempted to make choices based on peer pressure and being accepted.
4. What did you try to achieve with this play?
I hope that this play will encourage young people to resist the common pressure to look at those who are different as ugly and to search for unique beauty instead. I hope the audience will be emboldened to let their wings show.