BRANDON TORRES
STAFF WRITER

CSUSM’s Theatre presented Frank Wedekind’s controversial play, “Spring Awakening,” a children’s tragedy this past Thursday. The topics covered in this play are enough to make your average church-goer blush, ranging from same-sex attraction, masturbation, rape, atheism and suicide.

The beautiful projections displayed above the actors established the mood of the play from the start. At times, however, it got to be a little distracting, and sometimes pulled the viewer out of the play.

The viewers are introduced to our leads, Melchior played by Christopher Murphy and Moritz, played by Dillon Thomas. These two young men stole the show. Their passionate dialogues in which two 14-year old boys explore their purpose in life, along with their sexuality, come off as being very genuine.

There was one scene however, that led some viewers to be uncomfortable. In perhaps one of the most controversial scenes in the play, Melchior rapes Wendla, played by Cassie Chase, a childhood friend of his and current classmate. While not graphic, it leaves the viewer a little uncomfortable to witness rape between 14 year olds.

“This play is so dialogue heavy. So far it’s been one of the most challenging plays I’ve been in. And I’m working with one of the greatest casts I’ve had the pleasure of acting with,” Murphy, who played the role of Melchior, said.

“One of the biggest challenges is just getting everything together from a technical aspect,” Chase, who played the role of Wendla, said. “Rehearsal is so challenging, and getting a huge cast to work together while everyone has a busy schedule has been an uphill battle, but the final product is so rewarding.”