By: Kathy McDermott Goodman
MiltonNews DAILY Correspondent
Printed in the Weekly Record Herald on Friday, May 13, 2011
Author and storyteller Lindsay Bonilla will be at Laura Christian Church at 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, May 22, 2011 to present an interactive performance based on her original children’s book, “Lily and the City of Light.”
The program, which has been called “delightful, inspiring and captivating for all ages,” tell the story of young Lily, an orphan, who dreams of leaving her dark village and going to the City of Light. Audience members will enjoy journeying with Lily and taking on the roles of the colorful characters she meets in her quest for the great city as she learns the meaning of love and sacrifice.
When people think of storytelling,” says Bonilla, “they think of someone sitting in a chair reading a story.” Instead, Bonilla uses a blend of theatre, creative drama and storytelling wrapped into one to create a very dynamic experience.
“Each show is different,” she says. “The personalities of the people in the audience make each show unique.” I pull people out of the audience, they put on costumes and walk through the story with the characters,” says Bonilla. Even people who are not “in” the show still participate by making sound effects. “It is very humorous,” she says.
The audience and Bonilla build an almost instant relationship while telling the story. The people on stage help to draw the remaining audience members into the story so they can experience it themselves.
Using this interactive format was a no-brainer for Bonilla. For the past three years she has run World Of Difference Ltd., a theatre company which teaches people about other countries and cultures. “It was a natural progression to tell one of my stories instead of someone else’s.”
As for the story itself, Bonilla says each person will take something different away from the performance. “Everyone can identify with the main character, a little girl with a dream who has to overcome obstacles,” she says. “Lily finally learns that ‘true love’ is being willing to love even those who don’t receive the love or love us back. She is finally able to learn to love the right way – giving love away without expecting something in return.”
This is Bonilla’s second appearacne at Laura Christian Church. She was there previously in December 2010 performing her Christmas story, “Twas the Year Christ Left Christmas.” Bonilla is also available to perform at schools, libraries and fesitvals.
Bonilla is the granddaughter of the late State Representative Robert E. Netzley and Marjorie Netzley of Laura. She has performed across Ohio, as well as internationally and will be on hand after the performance to sign copies of her children’s book and greet audience members.
The performance is free of charge, but a freewill offering will be taken to support Bonilla’s mission trip to Africa later this year.
Laura Christian Church is located at 1 S. Main (SR 721) in Laura. For more information contact Pastor Curt Duncan at 947-1224.
For more information about Bonilla, visit www.lindsaybonilla.com.
Pictures taken during a performance at the Salvation Army Akron Citadel in Akron, Ohio.
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