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EXIT Theatre Arcata’s Short Play Festival got off to a rousing start this past weekend with its staging of an eclectic group of original works that fascinatingly filled the venue’s up-close-and- personal, intimate space. And, most proved to be “ready for their close-ups” with their first-time audiences, displaying an overall range of talent and creativity (by both playwrights and performers) that was unmistakable. But most importantly of all, each play showed that intriguing entertainment can come in “short” packages.

First out of the artistic gate was an absolutely priceless piece titled “The Backpacker’s Dilemma.” Created by playwright Daniel Lehman and directed by Wendy Butler, it featured perfectly cast Victor Howard as Backpacker 1 and Mitch Finn as Backpacker 2. When the lights come up, Howard lies splayed on the floor of the stage amid his scattered backpacking equipment.



Barefoot, he’s in obvious pain from what appears to be an injured leg that’s wrapped around the ankle with a makeshift bandage. After a few minutes of watching him all alone in his agony, another backpacker (Finn) arrives on the scene. Rather academic in appearance, he soon lives up to that visual assessment by being far more interested in discussing the possible philosophical questions of the situation.

And seemingly unconcerned about the increasingly emphatic and erratic physical, emotional and mental distress displayed by his desperate companion. In dire need of water and food.

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