Few productions in theater capture the themes of peace and healing as powerfully as “Lily Plants a Garden.“
In “Lily Plants a Garden” the audience follows a young girl who creates a story with her toys amidst a present war. Loud booms represent the fighting, while the girl’s story is centered around a girl who doesn’t fit in, leading to conflict. Her father leaves due to stress and addiction, and Lily and her mother seek peace. They end up in a forgotten area where society sends the unwanted. There, she makes friends and begins growing a garden. As her mother’s health declines and tragedy strikes, the girl finds peace through her garden, eventually reuniting with her parents and friends. We learn that throughout the story, the narrator is making up this story as a way to cope with her current situation. The story reflects the struggles she is experiencing.
Lucia Frakes, a sophomore student who is a lighting designer in this production describes the play as “…magical and playful, with bits of sorrow.” She emphasizes the role of lighting in capturing the story’s themes, stating, “The lighting helps the play by adding more emotion into it.” She notes that the audience could get the wrong impression of the characters without the proper lighting.
After speaking with cast member Tyler Terrell, a junior at Lafayette High School, we gained more insight into what the show represents. Terrell explained how the story follows a young girl who copes with her struggles by creating her world. “I hope the audience forms their own perspective and realizes there’s always a way forward,” he shares. Terrell also reflects on the more demanding nature of this production, with long hours and lots of dedication involved. However, with the support of the crew members and the audience’s enthusiastic responses, the entire process is incredibly rewarding.
“Lily Plants a Garden” tells a beautiful story about grief and hope. With its strong message and creative design, the play encourages the audience to consider the perspectives of others affected by war and grief. It highlights the importance of healing, reminding us that hope can get us through difficult times and connections can be rebuilt. This production will be performed competitively this semester, marking an exciting opportunity for the cast and crew.
