Nine-year-old Amanda isn’t getting out of bed much these days, and when she does, she’s very different – and very troubled.
Detroit Public Theatre’s (DPT) “Soft Target,” a shattering world premiere drama penned by Emily Kaczmarek and directed by Jaki Bradley, weaves an intense and timely tale about the emotional fallout after a grade school shooting, but does it most cleverly. Set in the bedroom of survivor Amanda, the story is told through the eyes of her favorite toys and how they absorb and reflect her trauma.
Stuffed penguin Jonah, American Girl doll Molly, Amanda’s beloved diary and a newcomer, a weighted emotional support bunny, fret and fear and comfort and hope as they helplessly watch the child they love struggle with the throes of post-traumatic stress disorder. Will she ever be the same again?…