Abby Rausch and Ryne Sorensen star in Raven's Feather's production of "Shiner."
Raven’s Feather Productions brings “Shiner” by Christian Durso to the Helena Avenue Theatre Sept 21-23 and Sept 28-30 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1. Errol Koch directs the play, which stars Abby Rausch and Ryne Sorensen.
“Shiner” follows two 13-year-old outcasts who bond over the grunge sounds of the 90s. When Margot, who is supremely self-assured in her tastes, introduces bands like Joy Division and Sonic Youth to the insecure and naive Jake, he breathes in the new music like pure alpine air.
However, dispirited by the commercialism and phoniness of the LA suburbs, the two make a pact to die happy after attending “the greatest concert ever.” But the suicide of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain casts a pall over their plans.
The Hollywood Reporter notes play’s “richly detailed script,” and the New Orleans Times-Picayune applauds how the play “wraps teen angst in a heart-shaped box.”
Playwright Durso is the associate artistic director of the IAMA Theatre Company and teaches writing and acting at Art of Acting Studio.
“As Helena’s newest theatre company, Raven’s Feather is excited to bring ‘Shiner’ to the Helena stage,” says the company’s president Ross Nelson, noting that September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
“In keeping with our mission to produce theatre that addresses important issues of the day and acknowledging the grave nature of the material, community partners Catalyst for Change and the Lewis & Clark County Public Health Department will present short informational sessions on suicide and mental health in conjunction with the play,” he added.
Tickets to “Shiner” are $15 students and seniors and $20 general admission, and may be purchased online at the Raven’s Feather website ravensfeather.org. Call 406-422-0497 for more information.