Little Things, Big Impact

People tend to think that national leaders and big events are what make history. "If only I was born during that time...my life would be more interesting, more fulfilled, I'd make a difference then, I might even be a hero..." I think, it is almost opposite. We are the ones who make history - any and everyone of us has the potential and ability to make the difference, both in our own life and in those who are near us. Our small decisions impact life, like circles on water, at first it is a small circle, it seems it touches only you and nobody else, then it goes wider and touches those who are right next to you - your family and friends, then even bigger circle, touching your neighbors, people in your town, people who speak the same language with you, and then the whole world, and who knows, maybe even beyond.

The ideas can seem small compared to some world historical events, but the impact they have on people's lives can be huge. Back in 1918, a small group of enthusiasts founded a theatrical organization in Tacoma the goals of which were to educate, entertain, and build a community while doing what they loved. Today, 98 years later, the descendants of that organization are still doing it - I am talking about Tacoma Little Theatre, which Justin and I discovered just recently, but having explored a lot of community theaters around Puget Sound, I can say that this one is one of the best, in terms of both the quality of production, and the careful choice of plays that evoke deep feelings, like two of the plays we had an opportunity to see this year, "Second Samuel" (written by Pamela Parker) and "The Last Night of Balihoo" (written by Alfred Uhry). Action in both plays occurs in the late 1930s to 1940s in the southern United States, and both plays talk about acceptance, which seems to me one of the most important topics of today's world, starting with acceptance of those who are not like you (which is, whoever you are, really, the majority of the world, isn't it?) and finishing with self-acceptance.

I like to take into consideration what period piece we're about to observe, or what culture it is, and make it a mini-challenge for myself to dress accordingly - it is my way to relate to the work other people put in front of me, my way to relate to these people and my way of thanking them. So for a rainy Spring day (the first Spring day this year!), I picked this classical sweater dress and accessorized it with pearls (both fake and genuine), a polka dot trench and a wicker purse. Very 1940s, in my book. I wore a new pair of suede boots by Aquatalia, which are a great find at Nordstrom Rack. I own a similar pair of boots in espresso leather and love them. It is a pricy (by my standards) brand, the regular price for these boots would be around $500, but I got them with 60% discount. They are waterproof (which is a big plus for our climate), made in Italy, and very comfortable, with a built-in platform. Funny that I was asked right there, by the theater, where I got these boots. :)

The building where we can watch all these amazing plays being created by volunteer actors and staff members (only a small group of professionals run the theater and hire directors), at very affordable prices, was built in 1913 and used to be a garage, until the theater bought it in 1940. The building features a rail station turntable installed around that time. The historical photo above is from the theater's web site - http://www.tacomalittletheatre.com. Below you can see how the theater looks today - I took this photo of a mural on the side of the building.

 Apparently, I am not the only one whose young chap takes pictures of her in front of the theater and blooming trees.

Benefits of a live theater are almost endless. As much as I love movies, I think that nothing can replace the live energy of a theater. To me, a story line or subject in art are not what matter the most. What matters the most is the heart and soul artists put into their work. And when it is done by enthusiasts who are eager to share their art as much as we are eager to share our style or writing here on our blogs, you can be sure that what you get is not only a skill, at times pretty amazing, but a genuine, free flowing feelings, exchange of emotions and thoughts, from an author through a director, costume and set designers, and actors. Theater is a dialog. Very much like blogging. They are doing an amazing job here. Little theater makes a big impact. And very much like theater, we also have an impact on life, bigger than we probably realize - we change life, we make a difference in the world, and ultimately we make a history.

Do you love theater? Have you explored your local community theaters?

Dress and necklace - Lane Bryant

Trench coat - Ralph Lauren

Boots - Aquatalia

Purse - via TJ MAXX (old)

Linking up with

Visible Monday

Turning Heads Tuesday

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