The Forum

Both are puzzles that need to be solved. While Alexander the Great simply cut the Gorgon’s knot, Gideon’s knot is not that simple. 

In this two-character, no intermission play, Gideon’s knot is discussed. Gideon’s knot is a metaphor of why he did what he did. Gideon was a fifth grader who took his own life. This play is a parent-teacher conference between Gideon’s teacher and his mother. While the play doesn’t give a straight answer as to why he took his own life, speculations are given to let the audience decide for themselves. 

This production of Gideon’s Knot was staged at the Terry M. Fischer Theatre on Florissant Valley’s campus Oct 2-5. Directed by Daniel Betzler, it brought a powerful message that needed to be heard. Mental Health is a very important topic that can no longer be ignored. 

The two actresses in this production did a phenom enal job of bringing heart wrenching story to life. The set, a schoolroom, was very well designed, constructed and little touches added. The one exception is the student desks. One didn’t notice how big they were until an adult sat in them. A minor mistake that can be overlooked. 

There was one special light effect. As the teacher read the son’s story, the story that got the son expelled, a red light appeared behind the goddess Shiva. Shiva is the Hindu God of destruction and transformation. The story Gideon wrote was of death and destruction among other things of the teachers and students at the school. While the teacher and the audience are shocked by the content and one would wonder how a 5th grader could write that; the mom thought it was beautiful.

(As far as form is concerned, it was a well written piece.) 

This amazing, heart wrenching production was an amazing production that was hopefully not missed. 

If you feel you are in crisis or feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to turn; you are not alone. 

The National Hotline can help 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Call or text 988. Or online at https://988lifeline.org/ STLCC also has counseling services, send an email to counseling@stlcc.edu to set up an appointment.