August 9, 2011 | Theatre,

A play built out of questions? Yes, it really works!

All right, now raise your hand if you feel like: The way I spend my money is a reflection of my values…

The theme of the play is value in all senses of the word—what objects or experiences are worth, how much money one needs, what kinds of things we place importance on, how we treat one another, etc. And these questions are explored through a wide range of methods. Sometimes the audience is asked to respond with a show of hands, and sometimes an individual is asked if he or she is willing to answer a short series of questions on a particular topic. Occasionally, audience members are asked to imagine or describe a hypothetical scenario and share their thoughts or reactions to the situation.

Who here would’ve given a better answer to one of the questions asked this evening?

The coolest thing about being in this audience is that I was simultaneously answering all the questions for myself—even when they were being asked of someone else—and listening to the responses of the individuals actually answering. The questions cause you to reflect upon your own life and values in addition to hearing to the wide range of experiences in the room. Often in theatre, we simply connect what happens on stage to our own lives and have very private, individual reactions, despite being in a room filled with other people. In How Much Is Enough, you listen to others’ experiences, as well as having your own.

I’m here to introduce some imagination, some creativity, some lies into the room…

One of my favorite aspects of this play is that there’s one actor who does not require honesty from the participants. He asks questions about fantasies, hopes and dreams, forgiveness, and more, but by giving the answerer license to either be honest or lie, he gives them a metaphorical mask to wear. People can reveal or hide as much as they wish.

If everybody could know everybody else’s greatest fantasies, do you think the world would be a more or less equitable place?

It’s surprising how much fun the simple act of asking questions and listening to a room full of strangers can be—you certainly don’t feel like strangers by the end of the evening! As the performance progressed, I became more and more curious about the people around me—was this couple married? What does this woman do for work? What was this man’s family like?—and more and more eager to hear answers to the questions and answer a few myself.

Now we want to ask you to take a piece of paper at your table and write down some questions for us to ask. Something you want to hear other people talk about that we’re not asking…

After the workshop, playwright Kirk and co-creator Melanie sat down at the front of the room to hear comments, criticism and reactions to the workshop. One of the things Melanie most wanted to know from the spectators was, “Is this theatre?” In my opinion, the heart of theatre is simply live storytelling. Most of the time, actors are the storytellers, but in this case, audience members become storytellers as well. It was an absorbing and enjoyable evening of theatre that taught me a few things about my own life and others people’s values. And I can’t wait to see how the play changes in Boston! I wonder what its value will be to you.