Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be a complete stranger in an unfamiliar place or to be different from everyone around you? The Araboolies embrace this experience of being outsiders when they set out to make their home on Liberty Street. The music and story may be whimsical, but the parable is profound. What would our world be like if every person felt as secure, brave and determined to find and make a place for themselves as the Araboolies did? A rule-bound street that is tightly run with high security and fear stretching back forever in time is transformed in this play to a fun-loving place where joy and laughter abound.
The play exaggerates the characters to illustrate a point. You can’t miss the contrast between the Araboolies’ joie de vivre (with emotions bursting at the seams) and the strict, constricted Pinches, whose tyrannical behavior masks their fears. In fact, Mrs. Pinch seems so scared of anything unfamiliar that she reverts to taking “vitamins” to rid herself of uncomfortable and unwanted feelings. She, of course, is not a role model that anyone would want to emulate. But her character helps us think about how people can become so frightened and weakened with a “bad feeling” whenever they sense something unknown or out of the ordinary.
A once unhappy and unfriendly street is transformed when the Araboolies teach us that the word “weirdo” is merely a way to describe difference. This play reminds us to appreciate differences and that ultimately everyone deserves to feel special and unique in their individuality.
The Araboolies of Liberty Street combines sublime silliness with serious themes. It’s summer—you choose whether to delve deeply or just bask in the acrobatic antics.
After today’s performance (including fun with bouncing balls!), here are some questions you might discuss with your child(ren) on the way home from the theatre.
- Have you ever wanted to break a rule but been too scared? When and what was that experience like?
- Why do you think the kids get so excited when rules are broken and mayhem takes over?
- How would you feel if you found yourself in a situation in which everyone around you was different? What things could you do to try and become comfortable?
*Lizbeth Moses, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and Psychoanalyst in private practice in Bethesda, Maryland. She works with teenagers and adults.
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