Play At W&L Tackles Gen X Issues

The W&L Department of Theater, Dance, and Film Studies will present “Speech & Debate,” a thought-provoking play, Nov. 1 through Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. in the Johnson Theatre at the Lenfest Center for the Arts.

Tickets are required. Visit https://my.wlu.edu/lenfest-center/ speech-and-debate to purchase tickets.

Generation Z is the first demographic to grow up with top-notch technology at their fingertips. “Speech & Debate” explores how it changes their lifestyle and expectations of the world. Stephen Karam’s play combines edgy comedy and serious concerns of Gen Z to bring attention to politics, censorship, religion and abortion through the lens of youngsters.

Directed by Rob Mish, “Speech & Debate” will immerse the audience in a presentday conservative northwestern city that was struck by the mayor’s sexual scandal. It unfolds even more secrets because nothing goes unnoticed on Gen Z’s watch.

Mish follows the tradition of choosing a controversial play that serves as the reflection of modern society and makes the audience ponder ever-longing questions.

“My hope is that the takeaway is the realization that conversation and support is much more valuable than the argumentative and the controversial,” said Mish.

Before retiring in 2024, Mish wanted to direct a play with a small cast at Johnson Theatre.

“When I found out that I’d be directing this fall, I knew I had to make it the best and possibly the most important production of my life,” Mish said. “The play covers a number of topics applicable to our students, and to those who consider themselves Gen Z at heart.”

Brought together by adults’ oppression of sexuality and creativity, three high school students, Howie, Diwata and Solomon, form the Speech and Debate club to ask the older generation bold questions in an unconventional way. Students deal with the weird realities of the 21st century while trying to find their place in life and earn a seat at the adult’s table. But is the world ready for them?

Find out in Johnson Theatre on Nov. 1 through Nov. 4.