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| | Location: Home » Documentary » General » OT:OUR TOWN. A Famous American Play in an Infamous American Town | December 3, 2008 |
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| OT:OUR TOWN. A Famous American Play in an Infamous American Town | 
 enlarge | Director: Scott Hamilton Kennedy
Actors: Catherine Borek, Karen Greene (iv), Ebony Starr Norwood-brown, Archie Posada, Armia Robinson
Studio: Film Movement
Category: DVD
List Price: $14.95
Buy New: $9.81
You Save: $5.14 (34%)
Buy New/Used/Collectible from $7.18
Avg. Customer Rating:  (7 reviews)
Sales Rank: 25499
Format: Color, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD
Running Time: 77 minutes
Number Of Items: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: RPNDFM57202D
UPC: 616892572022
EAN: 0616892572022
ASIN: B0006GVPXO
Publication Date: 2003
Release Date: January 1, 2005
Theatrical Release Date: 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
Against all odds, the first theatrical production in over 20 years at Dominguez High School is going to be Thornton Wilder's American classic "Our Town." The kids at this Compton school are about to experience more than a culture clash, as they embark on a rich journey and discover the educational and social value of theater. OT: our town tells the story of human spirit and its strength against the cliches attempting to hold them down. Where Wilder wrote about little Grover's Corners, this documentary exemplifies how Our Town is every town, Our Town is Compton. Winner - Best Documentary - Los Angeles FF. Winner - Palm Springs Int'l Festival. Nominated - Best Documentary - Independent Spirit Awards. Official Selection - Toronto, South by Southwest and Tribeca Film Festivals.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 "Something Eternal Way Down Deep In Human Existence" June 1, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This is an amazing and inspirational documentary. Two teachers at Dominguez High School in Compton, California take on the daunting task of producing the first play there in over twenty years despite no budget, no stage (they finally improvise one in the school cafeteria) and little support from the administration. The play they choose is Thornton Wilder's OUR TOWN set in a small New Hampshire town early in the twentieth century. What could a play set in staid New England almost a century ago have to say to African American and Hispanic teenagers living in a city known for its crime and poverty? At first the students' answer would have been "nothing " but the skilled teachers (Catherine Borek and Karen Greene) guide them to the universality in the dramatic text and help them creatively relate it to their present experience. Interviews and home visits with some of the cast members add to our understanding of the Compton community and the truth that "people are people" no matter where, when or how we live our journey through eternity.
Riveting and inspirational! April 1, 2008
This doc knocked my socks off! If anything could make you believe in the universally transformative power of art, this might be it. At first it seems impossible: get a bunch of South Central L.A. kids in a violence plagued high school to bring a play about small town americana to life?!? But, somehow, these kids take the first step to end a 20 year absence of dramatic productions at their school and throw themselves into interpreting the timelessness of a classic play on their own terms. What happens on screen is nothing short of gripping and will make you believe in the power of art to elevate the human condition and cross any cultural divide. By the end of this documentary, the hairs stood up on the back of my neck as I held back the tears. This is an incredibly moving experience that I can't recommend more highly.
Kids + hope + the power of one person = amazing! May 28, 2007
Two aspects of this movie really struck me. One is that kids are kids, whether they're in a wealthy suburb or Compton (though their different circumstances _do_ affect them substantially). The other is that one person (in this case, one teacher) can make a huge difference in young people's lives. I sometimes feel burned out after ten years as a middle school teacher, but seeing the teacher in Compton give these kids love and inspiration - and bring out the best in them - reminded me how important and rewarding teaching can be. This film will open your eyes and warm your heart.
 Teamwork June 7, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The documentary "OT: Our Town" is a must for theatre education. It shows how the process of putting on a play instills teamwork, professionalism and discipline. Everyone in the group is so dependent on the success of each individual that it really is an excellent experience that students can use in many walks of life. This documentary is particularly fulfilling set in Compton, California at Dominguez High. Not having put on a play for 20 years, the teachers had to fight an uphill battle without funding to be able to stage Thornton Wilder's show. Some of the charm of the documentary comes from watching how the largely Black & Hispanic cast adapt the show to be meaningful in their world. One scene where a cast member talks about all the people they know who have been killed and then relates that to the death at Grovers Corner tugs at your heartstrings. Watching the students stage that kiss between George & Emily is hilarious and charming. This film is excellent because it shows how relevant theatre can be. Enjoy!
OT: Our Town-- A great story for today's students January 29, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
If you love the play Our Town, if you're a teacher who has taught Our Town and tried to get your students to see the power, the relevancy and the charm of this American classic, OT: Our Town is a story you will want to watch and share with your students. I had my kids read the play and then I showed them this movie. One of the kids put it this way: "That movie actually wasn't boring!" High praise indeed from a high school junior these days, and if you too are in the classroom you know exactly what I mean. This is a wonderful documentary, very touching and relevant and filled with human truth. And it shows just how timeless the message of Our Town is!
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