In teaching kids how to swim in the great waters of theatre, the Vortex Repertory Company likes to start 'em in the deep end of the pool: full productions of literary masterpieces from Moby Dick and A Tale of Two Cities to such mature works of the stage as Machinal, Rhinoceros, and An Enemy of the People. Vortex's 12-year-old Summer Youth Theatre gives teen thespians credit for being able to handle complex material, casting them in major roles opposite adult artists. Seeing youthful artists fearlessly making their way through such challenging work is exciting. And by treating their young charges as colleagues, Artistic Director Bonnie Cullum and her grownup team develop a sense of common purpose and shared spirit among the company that comes through in every fascinating performance.
