Tolerance in Tucson
What does Igor the Hunchback; Flatulence Jack; a Samurai and an old Arizona cowboy have in common with a Black, Jewish and gay Mayor (the trifecta of hate) and a Hispanic Sheriff with a Greek stepfather who thinks he’s the essence of Dirty Harry and Kojak?
These quirky, silly and lovable characters are an integral part of the ensemble cast of Tolerance; a staged reading (live theatre performance) of a short film premiering at the Beowulf Alley Theatre, Wednesday, May 25th at 7:30 pm. The Beowulf Alley Theatre is located in Tucson at 11 South 6th Avenue. Admission to the performance is free but reservations are required and can be made by calling 520-360-0565 or by emailing rhellertucson@gmail.com.
According to Randall Heller, producer and author of the film, “Tolerance is a political satire that deals with human and civil rights issues including racial and social injustice, intolerance, hate, bigotry and violence. Ultimately, the message of the film is unity through diversity achieved by non-violent interaction and cooperation.”
“Besides being a conduit for the compelling issues of our time,” continued Heller, “Tolerance is also a silly, sophomoric project that pays homage to the films of Mel Brooks, to Airplane, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Dirty Harry and Kojak along with a little Abbot and Costello thrown in.”
Heller said he has been working on the project for more than a year. He also said he decided to produce the project as a staged reading, using more than 20 local actors in a live theatre venue, as a way of working out any potential kinks in the script as well as a way to generate some excitement and interest in the project.
“Our country, said Heller, “faces enormous challenges including the economy, jobs, education, lack of affordable health care for all and immigration reform. But instead of working together to solve these issues; certain groups and media pundits are spewing out hateful, divisive rhetoric challenging the legitimacy of our President; or adopting the attitude that ‘I’ve got mine so I don’t need to worry about yours;’ or forgetting the fact that education and affordable health care for all will allow this great country to compete in a global market, notwithstanding that it is a moral imperative and a basic tenet of the Judeo-Christian religions; or simply ignoring the fact that immigrants from all countries including Mexico helped build our great country.”
“Ultimately,” concluded Heller, “Tolerance is about love, kindness, compassion and respect. And as the Old Cowboy says, understanding that these words and acts are gifts from God, gifts that make us stronger and provide the grit, the backbone we all need to stare down hatred, intolerance and bigotry.”
