BWW Reviews: MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE Presented by Blue Rose Stage Collective

Whether your political views favor one side or the other in the continuing conflict between Israel and Palestine, you're sure to find Blue Rose Stage Collective's debut presentation of My Name is Rachel Corrie to be a provocative and compelling piece of theatre. A superb performance by Magan Wiles drives this tragic tale of a young peace activist who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003 while protesting the destruction of homes in occupied Palestine.

Alan Rickman and Katharine Viner have edited Rachel's writings, culled from journals, diaries and e-mails, into a 90 minute work that's challenging and haunting. The play chronicles and compresses Rachel's development from fledgling writer to activist. When the play begins, Rachel is searching for some kind of meaning in her life, and eventually opts to accept an invitation to Gaza to observe and protest the current occupation of Palestine by Israel. Clearly, this is inspirational stuff for some, and for others, namely parents, this might prove to be a cautionary tale. It's certainly true that Rachel exhibited a strong degree of courage and selflessness, but she also put herself in an extremely vulnerable position because of her convictions.

Magan Wiles makes every moment of her performance count, investing herself fully in exploring the various ages and stages of maturity that Rachel goes through before her untimely death cuts the story short. Wiles also explores a broad range of emotions as Rachel alternates between joy, confusion, anger, heartbreak and fear. This is bravura work from a seasoned professional.

Director Tom Martin keeps Wiles in motion, and this, along with the occasional video projection, helps to maintain interest throughout. The use of footage of Rachel as a child is especially poignant in its execution. Mark Wilson's set design makes efficient and effective use of the space with a minimum of pieces, while his lighting scheme deftly captures each dramatic turn that's taken.

Blue Rose Stage Collective make an auspicious debut with their production of My Name is Rachel Corrie, which continues through July 18, 2010 in the black box theatre in Xavier Hall on the campus of Saint Louis University.

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