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Rachel Corrie was a 23 year-old American activist with strong convictions, beliefs and an ambitious approach to life that was inherently unique.
Unfortunately, Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli army bulldozer, on March 16th, 2003, while trying to protect the home of a Palestinian pharmacist from demolition in Rafah, Gaza Strip.
Corrie’s fascinating story remains largely unheard, but thanks to the dedicated work of passionate individuals, the public has a chance to experience a glimpse at the life of a heroic woman’s selfless journey to the heart of a war zone.
On March 16, 2010, actors Mimi Kennedy and Meredith Dilg performed a reading of the play “My Name is Rachel Corrie” in the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, in commemoration of her passing in 2003. The play was such a great source of controversy that it was indefinitely postponed from its debut at the New York Theatre Workshop.
“My name is Rachel Corrie” is composed entirely of Rachel’s words, feelings, and ideas and is more of a striking depiction of the human ability, rather than a vehicle for a thinly veiled political agenda.
The reading itself, humble in its presentation, is unaffected by its total absence of production values; Corrie’s powerful thoughts resonate like a struck bell, filling the room and capturing the viewer.
Aided by the vocal talents of veteran actors Mimi Kennedy and Meredith Dilg, Rachel’s evolution as an individual flow together seamlessly, with each spoken word feeling as organic as if it were coming from Corrie’s mouth.
Corrie’s tale closed with a largely felt contemplative silence, with her words still very alive in the minds of the individuals attending.
Though there aren’t any additional dates forthcoming, Kennedy and Dilg are entirely devoted to performing more readings of the play.
“What I wanted to do with this is to make it available… to all types of people,” said Kennedy.
With ideas and thoughts that parallel Corrie herself, Kennedy has no plans to cease performing the play and is aspiring to mount a bigger production if more female actors show interest.
Corrie’s journey is a testament to the human spirit, an uncompromisingly honest representation of the great heights we are all capable of ascending to.
“Preserve life and stop separating and punishing people,” said Kennedy. “It’s not right.”
Although Corrie may have physically left this planet, it is evident that she is still very much alive.
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Unsung hero’s tale comes to life at Moorpark
March 23, 2010
Actress Meredith Dilg performs a scene from the play for a small audience in MC’s Black Box Theatre
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