First Stage’s ‘Diary’ teaches lessons of difference, teamwork

It’s certainly been interesting, Samadhi and I taking our weekend dates to First Stage. When we began, the experience of going to the theater was exciting, but the hectic nature of children’s delight would throw us slightly off-kilter. We’d like the show, and have fun, but the lessons were based more on spending the time together than learning something more substantial.

Over the course of the last few months, the experience has transitioned into a sophisticated block of family time where stories play out lessons on stage. Last weekend, we saw Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly, where we were able to ask ourselves: What can insects and arachnids teach us about community and growth?

First Stage’s approach to children’s theater is very different from my previous experiences of children’s entertainment. As with all of their shows, Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly takes on big topics in a fun and approachable way. For example, the anthromorphic storytelling tradition (using animals with human traits) is used by many cultures to convey morals and values to children in ways they can relate to. For Diary, this model is updated with larger-than-life, relatable characters whose differences are more than skin-deep. Each character is dynamic in their own way, and the narrative celebrates these differences while encouraging teamwork and self-confidence.

Conventionally unconventional, the intrigue of this play is its ability to convey very mature ideologies of acceptance, self-love, and growing up into a fun and imaginative setting. Spider, Worm and Fly are three best friends with very different lives and backgrounds. From different worlds, the three manage to relate by accepting the good in each other. Through that bond, they help each other deal with their unique challenges.

Each character role is representational of a culture or lifestyle, and by playing those roles out on stage, the actors are bringing them to life for the audience. For children, non-judgmental exposure to differences is important because it allows them to take experiences as they come rather than relying on often-harmful stereotypes for reference. For families, Diary serves as a great conversation starter about a wide range of topics.

What Diary doesn’t say is that any of these ways of being are right or wrong. Rather, it emphasizes the important role each insect plays in the web of life. Who knew a children’s play could find such an elegant solution to accepting differences and working together?