The evolution of video games gave rise to a classic debate: Which one is the best?
Friday’s production by the Marmaton Valley High School drama team will lay out the evidence in “The Video Gamapalooza,” a play written by Don Zolidis.
The one-time-only performance is at 6:30 p.m. at MVHS. Admission is a free-will donation. Snacks and drinks will be provided, with COVID restrictions in place such as wearing masks, temperature checks and leaving open seats between parties.
The play also will be livestreamed on the MVHS Productions Facebook page.
It’s a story about competition. Not just the competition of a video game, but the contest of generational exceptionalism.
Gen X lays claim to the classics, the games that started it all.
But Gen Z took it to a whole new level, with interactive experiences that let you become part of the game.
(And speaking of interactive experiences, audience members might get the chance to get in on the fun.)
Two narrators take on those generational roles, debating the pros and cons of their favorite games.
Of course, the idea of “gaming” dates back hundreds of years, according to the play. People paid for the privilege of watching Marie Antoinette get her head chopped off during medieval times. Sounds ghastly and gory… but are you not entertained?
And it turns out there’s a bit more to the first “true” video game, Pong. It’s just another day on the job for those boxy white paddles, batting a helpless ball between them. But like any coworkers, they have their conflicts as well.
And that poor ball is always caught in the middle.
Also, if you’ve ever wondered how those video game princesses feel about always playing the victim… well, they have a few words to say on the subject. Characters from the Mario Bros. and Legend of Zelda gaming series gather for a talk show to air their grievances.
Other video games making an appearance are Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Tetris and Minecraft.
It’s an ensemble cast, with most actors playing multiple roles.
That was intentional, director Halie Luken said, because of all the uncertainty surrounding school productions in the COVID-19 era.
