The Yellow Boat
January 31, 2007
by Ben Waterhouse
Probably the most heartbreaking performance
you'll see this year, The Yellow Boat is the
story of playwright David Saar's son, Benjamin,
a hemophiliac who contracted HIV from a blood
transfusion and died before his ninth birthday.
Although the production is ostensibly a
children's show, there were no kids present the
night I attended—just adults bawling their eyes
out as Benjamin's friends abandon him out of
fear and ignorance and the virus takes its
horrible toll. Directed by Andres Alcala, lit by
Jeff Forbes, choreographed by Do Jump!'s Robin
Lane and ably acted by an an ensemble of
familiar faces, the show is beautiful, energetic
and touching. But while children will certainly
learn about hemophilia, HIV and the value of
friendship, parents may find it trying to watch
their worst fears made manifest on stage. BEN
WATERHOUSE. Insight Out Theatre Collective and
CITE Educational Theatre at Echo Theater, 1515
SE 37th Ave., 493-8070. 8 pm Fridays-Saturdays,
2 and 7 pm Sundays. Closes Feb. 11. $5-$15, all
tickets two for the price of one.
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