This play is certainly timely given our current state of education. Rather than depressing the audience, Ruyle provides us a story that gives us the optimism needed in raising the next generation by asking what it means to be a true educator in today's society.

As teachers, we learn theories: Gardner's multiple intelligences, Maslow's hierarchy of needs...and the keystone to them all is compassion. Jason standing at mindless attention is not what this--or any country or child--needs. Compassion is the key. While it's easy to blame technology, the solution is always a human one: a passionate teacher with compassion and financial support. This play--performed live to an ever changing audience with their own different biases, perceptions, educational experiences--gets that. Bravo. I enjoyed the world premiere and look forward to hearing more about it soon.

As a teacher, this play felt like everything I've been saying to people for years. It shows both sides of an issue that a lot of people have strong feelings about, and displays how care, kindness, and empathy can truly be what gets a student to participate and do better in class. I loved how fleshed out and complex the two main characters felt-- honestly, I connected to Joni very deeply. It made the issue very real to see it discussed between two people whom it affects every day. Brilliant. Non-teachers should definitely read!