War of the Words: Where Words Once Were Leaves Whittier Speechless

Where Words Once Were opened on Oct. 5 / Photo Courtesy of Riley White

In a desolate city far from here; in a time long in the future; lives a boy, a girl, words– and the silences in between.

Whittier College’s Film, Theatre and Communication Arts Department opened the first production of the 2023 season, Where Words Once Were, on Oct. 5, where anything but silence filled the Robinson Theater.

The play (directed by Professor Jennifer Holmes and written by Finegan Kruckemeyer) tells the dystopian story of a world where language is rationed to only a select 1000 words, and anyone caught saying anything that does not adhere to those 1000 words is sentenced to be silenced forever. That is, until one day, a boy named Orhan (J.J. Trimble) decides to change the world. By using the power of language, love, and freedom, he is able to see the forgotten, changing the fate of the city forever.

Trimble gives a dignified, yet powerful performance as the young Orhan. Do not mistake his solemness as minute– instead recognize it as the quiet driving force of the entire production. He’s thoughtful and deliberate in his actions, which gives a big punch that will leave the audience emotional.

Trimble plays across some other great actors and actresses as well, namely Julia Centeno– who plays the silenced character “Angela”. Centeno gives an incredibly emotional performance that radiates mysteriousness throughout the entire production– which is a testament to her acting, given she only speaks a few lines throughout the play. But when she speaks, it leaves the audience grasping for more. She is fluid with her movements, and expressive to everything happening around her. We feel her highs and lows so intensely, that she transports us into the City with her.

Centeno is actually playing the younger version of one of the central characters, called “The Narrator,” who’s played by Ali Amaya. Amaya gives a standout performance as the older Angela. Reflecting on the crucial moments in her younger life, she evokes the audience so deeply into the story. She is powerful, especially when speaking to the audience. She delivers passionate monologues about resistance and how to stand up against power-hungry structures. All eyes are on Amaya!

Where Words Once Were tells a dystopic story centered around language. / Photo Courtesy of Riley White

While the narrative leans towards the poignant side of storytelling (get those tissues ready!), there are moments of genuine hilarity– thanks especially to the character of Kieran (Calvin Morgenstern). Morgenstern is on the money with comedic timing, leaving anyone that watches bursting out laughing (and they did!). This is also thanks to Morgenstern’s scene partner Esme McGuire, who plays Eila. McGuire and Morgenstern bounce off each other so well, allowing for moments of amusement in an otherwise solemn play.

The entire company works well together, allowing the energy to radiate off the stage. Other notable performances include Joel Adell’s stern yet sincere Issac the Official; Cielo Valenzuela-Lara’s Alli the Baker (who possesses incredible singing chops!); Geffen Chang’s reserved yet powerful performance of Gus; and the hilarious addition of Theo Stevens’ Teacher. With the addition of the ensemble, there is a strength that emanates to the audience. The camaraderie the cast shares comes through. Bravo!

The citizens in Where Words Once Were are only allowed to speak a certain 1000 words. / Photo Courtesy of Riley White

Along with a great cast, the technical aspects of the play were wonderful. The set truly makes you feel like you’re in a dystopian world– adorned with rusty pipes, broken doors, and trash leaves scattered around. This coupled with the costumes gives the essence of a world wrought with turmoil. The lighting design was also well done, despite some confusion with the use of words lighting up around the set in the beginning, and then stopping half way through. Other than that, the tech team and behind the scenes personnel elevated the production tenfold.

Where Words Once Were will be playing Oct. 6- Oct. 8 in the Robinson Theater. / Photo Courtesy of Riley White

Where Words Once Were will leave you speechless. Even with a slightly confusing and abrupt ending, the production is filled with a passion that radiates throughout the entire Robinson Theater– leaving you asking for more.

Where Words Once Were is playing in the Robinson Theater in the Shannon Center on Oct. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on Eventbrite, or you can call the Box Office at 562.907.4203. Tickets for students are five dollars.

Photos Courtesy of Riley White