JI WON JEON
director | educator | visual artist
Stevie and The Real World
MFA New Play Commission | World Premier Feburary, 2024
Fairchild Theatre
Michigan State University
Written by Iraisa Ann Reilly Directed by Ji Won Jeon Scenic Design: Kessler Jones Costume Design: Katherin "KAT" Poon Sound Design: Brandon McDuff Lighting Desig: Bunni Gutierrez Props Artisan: Erin Riley Media & Projection Design: Alison Dobbins and Lauren Spiegel Dramaturg: Daniel T Smith Intimacy Director: Alexis Black
Just because you fit in does not mean you belong
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the sense of belonging comes right after one’s physiological and safety needs are met. It is indeed one of the most fundamental human desires. We all want to fit in and to belong. To achieve that, we often present slightly different versions of ourselves depending on the environment. We put on numerous social masks for school, work, home, and even online, all tweaked to fit different circumstances. Despite how hard we try to fit in, I’m sure we all share similar moments where we still feel like we don’t really belong.
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Iraisa Ann Reilly’s new play Stevie and the Real World, however, offers an alternative path to belong for those who are unwilling or unable to mold themselves to fit in. They are therefore often perceived as “strange” and “weird.” Yet, Stevie relentlessly continues to search for their own way to connect and belong, not by changing who they are, but by choosing themselves. In doing so, Stevie encourages others to find their own light. In today’s climate where social conformity is highly encouraged, I find so much power and beauty in Stevie’s journey. As you experience the play, I invite all Stevie(s) in our world to find their courage to always choose themselves.
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-Ji Won Jeon