By Sara Allen
“Voices From Black Canyon: A Hoover Dam Kaleidoscope” effectively depicts the hardships of the Great Depression and the building of Hoover Dam.
“Voices from Black Canyon” is a collage of stories about the people that lived during a time of poverty and suffering.
Each scene produces a new idea and a new struggle, as the characters battle against hunger, fatigue and the heat.
The play tells touching stories, such as that of Darlene, who moved to a desolate desert community, Ragtown, and lived in base circumstances as her husband helped build Hoover Dam.
The play relates the story of the women who sold themselves in order to scrape out a living in Las Vegas.
Finally, the play depicts the struggles of the decision-makers, like Herbert Hoover and Frank Crowe, who forced the people to work under harsh conditions.
Together these voices reach out to the audience and evoke a sense of compassion and admiration for the difficulties that were faced and overcome.
“Voices from Black Canyon” focuses on the many voices that exist around us. The use of American Sign Language is one of the very powerful voices in the play.
The cast works well together to convey much feeling and emotion. The actors play multiple parts, which enhances the play by both contrasting and adding to the individual hardships of each character.
Rodger Sorensen, the director, demonstrates a lot of thoughtful vision in his depiction of “Voices from Black Canyon.”
The atmosphere of the set also contributes to the overall mood and feeling of the play.
“Voices from Black Canyon” runs Tuesdays to Saturdays through June 3rd in the de Jong Concert Hall in the HFAC.
Tickets are $10, $2 off with BYU or student ID.
Overall rating: Excellent.
