American River College’s production of Treasure Island is more than a performance; it reflects the meaning of the commitment to keeping the passion for the arts alive.
Directed by Pamela Downs, the theater arts professor at ARC, the play remains one of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tales with a deeper set of realism, the focus and control of having raw emotions. Behind the stage and the costumes lies the personal commitment of the help and time the students hold onto what they love about theater.
“We’re here to give students a foundation in the art form,” Downs said. “If you have a passion for something and you follow it, it can save you.”
During the interview, Downs spoke not just as a director but also as an advocate for the students navigating difficult choices. Describing watching the students as having less support for pursuing theater even if it’s their passion.
“If you turn away from it, it can hurt,” Downs said. “You see people later in life who’ve lost that spark they had when they were younger.”
That the sense of purpose carries into the production itself.
Running from April through May 3, Treasure Island follows the young protagonist into the dangerous world of pirates, the acts of survival and betrayal. Unlike other stories that are similar to this one, this story strips away the romanticized idea of pirates and shows the real-life reality of something more intense.
“We want the audience to experience the adventure, the danger and the fear that the characters feel,” Downs said.
The action that the production uses also reflects the diversity of American River College, bringing together all students of different backgrounds and colors to show and tell the same story.
Despite the energy, the reality of producing theater is still challenging. The plays require the focus of resources, and a lot of institutions are pushed to make final decisions about the funding of plays.
“You’re going to see people of all ethnicities and races, ” Downs said. “It really brings everything together.”
The story Treasure Island continues working to bring people all together of the passion of the details, and the storytelling, and the creativity of how the play came together.
Opening night approaches, the cast and the crew are together making sure everything is ready for them to perform but also to leave a memorable impression to their audience.
The performances of Treasure Island run through April 24 through May 3 at the ARC. Tickets are available through the ARC Theater box office. Treasure Island in Sacramento – Checkout (Rated PG. Not recommended for children age 8 and under.)
