Salt Lake Acting Company (SLAC) opened its 2024-25 season with the thrilling story of “Whitelisted” on Oct. 2.
Written by Chisa Hutchinson and brought to life on SLAC’s stage by co-directors Latoya Cameron and Tito Livas, “Whitelisted” exceeded my expectations.
In Need of a Scary Story?
If you’re one for horror, this show is for you. Every corner has something new jumping out at you, sewing the story together piece by piece.
“I think it’s really cool to take a new script from an amazing writer,” Eliyah Ghaeini (Ryan/Officer White) said. “[Hutchinson’s] writing is so good because she weaves in social commentary into such a scary and hilarious show.”
As soon as the lights began to dim, instant chills were sent through every inch of my body. Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin (Yvette/Officer Black) did a phenomenal job setting the tone for the show. There was so much emotion and vulnerability, that I don’t think I fell off the tip of my toes once.
“We don’t know how to sit in uncomfortableness. I think it’s important that we learn how to do that,” Cameron said. “Because that invites the potential for progression, evolution and openness to important dialogue.”
This is the first time the show has been produced on a Utah stage, and the timing could not have been better. The topics written into the dialogue — social justice, racism, homelessness — are just as apparent in Utah, as it is anywhere else. Hutchinson does a phenomenal job of portraying these characters in a way that audiences can react, empathize and look at their perspective.
Ghaeini and Collette Astle both emphasized the realness of their characters and how easily Rebecca and Ryan became desensitized to the world around them. Ghaeini explained that “Whitelisted” is the perfect opportunity for audiences to get in touch with their community and see the world from a different perspective.
A Tricky Treat
Cameron explained how, at first, she was afraid to try out such a technically demanding show. “Knowing [how open Hutchinson’s writing is] drew me in more to be like ‘Okay, just take the leap, just take the dip and let’s see what we can create.’ These kinds of stories don’t come to this community often,” said Cameron. “If I didn’t do it, I’m sure I would have kicked myself later on because I was so afraid.”
I was in shock at the technical tricks. Rebecca, played by Astle, is insufferable and watching her world crumble through these tricks is like candy. The creatives behind the scenes, especially set designer Erik Reichert, were the minds behind the madness.
I was especially taken by the sound and lighting design. Designers Jesse Portillo and Joe Killian created intense pictures of horror that had me begging for more. Every aspect produced by them filled in each piece of the puzzle, placing the audience members inside the world created on stage. It was haunting.
Don’t be Afraid …
“I want people to come and take some quiet moments to self-reflect,” Astle says. “[This show can] make small changes in their lives to become better people. That’s what art is about.”
“Whitelisted” might just be the cure for the faint of heart.
The show is running through Oct. 27 and students can receive discounted tickets at the box office.
