The Cost of Living examines what it’s like to not only live in society but to be in community with it. The way we see and ignore the the people that are all around us is astounding. You can’t see this without tapping into your emotions. If you don’t you were the reason the show was made. This show is happening now until February 18th. I challenge everyone to go in and view this with humanity on your mind.
Before you see Cost of Living
I would caution taking a younger crowd to this production. There is ample adult language and brief non sexual nudity. In addition, like with many theatre shows you should attempt to get there at least 30 minutes before for parking and getting situated. In addition the bar is open at least one hour before for drinks and snacks that you can take into the theatre. I had the Early Riser which is made with Vodka, ginger liqueur, orange juice, lemon juice, grenadine, and grapefruit seltzer. The show is about 1 hour and 50 minutes long with no intermission.
Where’s your Humanity in Cost of Living
The story follows John (Christina Prentice) who is a wealthy graduate student and Jenna (Cianna Castro). Jenna works multiple bar job and lands a job with John who is in a wheelchair full time. Jenna has no experience but John reluctantly hires her to be his caregiver. It also follows Ani (Rachel Handler) who is in a wheelchair following a terrible accident. Her ex-husband, Eddie (Ross Beschler) is an out of work truck driver who offers to take care of her. Both of these situations highlights how vulnerable it is to be in a wheelchair or disabled in any way. Having to depend on others for basic needs can feel taxing on those receiving the help. In addition to needing help and the interdependence is the lost of humanity.
The way in which we as a society looks down on others is at an all time high. We talk about not judging others but are guilty of it daily. For instance, the interconnections of John and Jenna is apparent. He notices that she is taking some of his soap. Instead of asking questions on if there is an issue and what can be done, he makes her to only be about money or simply a thief.
Judgment in Cost of Living
The cost of living in real life is increasing. One thing my mom always taught me is that we are all one check, one situation, and more away from he bottom of our life to be taken. When I was a kid we grew up briefly living in a shelter. It was us leaving from a familiar situation that wasn’t safe to what my mom could do to keep us off the streets. Now for someone from the outside looking in, it would appear that my mom was an irresponsible parent. However she was tired of living with family. The family at the time wasn’t as welcoming and mistreated us. That is the point, while John assumed Jenna to be a common thief she was working but unable to afford adequate housing while also supporting her family too.
This show struck a nerve. In addition to the levels that the Martyna Majok’s and Co-Artistic Directors Tyler Dobrowsky and Taibi Magar brought this story to life left me thinking and checking my own biases. How many times have I walked past, knew or otherwise others in their situation and made statements based on what I think I saw or knew. Let this piece challenge you. Also let it awaken the depth of your personal humanity in ways it hasn’t before.
Thank you to Philadelphia Theatre Company and En Route Marketing for having me. The show ends February 18th so get your tickets now.
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