Play explores tech and social issues

In an age of internet images and instant fame, the play “Real Girls Can’t Win,” asks the question “how does a girl stay real when the competition becomes fierce?” Merri Biechler’s “Real Girls Can’t Win” was staged at Centenary during the 2009 CSC Women Playwrights Series, receiving enthusiastic feedback from audience members. The performance at Centenary College will be the premiere production for the play. Sparta resident, Director Lea Antolini-Lid was drawn to Real Girls because of its setting on a college campus, and its focus on issues students are dealing with today. Working daily with the students, Antolini-Lid understands how the script relates to today’s society with young people utilizing technology which exposes their vulnerabilities, and dealing with internet and text-message cyber bullying. With a comic edge, Real Girls’ theme explores what it takes to be popular, the desire to fit in, and the dangers of allowing personal information to be viewed on the internet. Antolini-Lid is fascinated by “the need for people to speak about their lives through the means of false connections, thereby losing human contact in dealing with issues”. Antolini-Lid said, “‘Real Girls Can’t Win’ has an important message for those using modern technology as a forum for self expression”. Performances of the Centenary Theatre Student production of “Real Girls Can’t Win” are Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 26 at 8:00 p.m., and March 28 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. For more information or ticket purchase, contact the Centenary Stage Company at 908-979-0900.