By ERIKA MARTIN | Reporter
The Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness (PPTFH), in partnership with Theatre Palisades, is staging a one-act play as a benefit to support its mission of offering services to homeless individuals in the community.
“The Liar’s Punishment,” written by Leda Siskind and produced by Palisadian Nina Kidd, will be performed Saturday, May 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse.
Each presentation will be followed by a panel featuring officials from Safe Place for Youth, Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC) and Chrysalis, who will provide updates on their work in Pacific Palisades and answer audience questions. Net proceeds from the play will go to OPCC to help fund Maureen Rivas and Glanda Sherman, its two-person outreach team in Pacific Palisades.
While the Palisades community has successfully organized around the issue of homelessness, Kidd sees the play as an artistic response that can help residents sort through the emotional aspects of the subject.
“An awful lot of what was being talked about was numbers and crime, danger and anger,” Kidd said. “That can distance people from what the real issue is.”
The play’s action centers on the relationship between Elbee, a homeless woman played by Nancy Youngblut, and Gwen, a county social worker portrayed by Jennifer Laks.
“It’s a way to get emotionally connected to this issue again with sympathy, with admiration,” she said. “Even though it’s been contentious, there’s been success. To have over 12 people come into services since January is incredible.”
But, as Kidd went on to point out, “It’s not about numbers. One life that’s changed is such a gift and blessing.”
“The Liar’s Punishment” will be performed May 21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Road. For tickets ($50), visit www.theatrepalisades.org or call 310-454-1970.
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