In the World of 'Unsorted,' Kids Discover the Joy of Acceptance

When kids are young, they see everyone through the same set of eyes. They know people are different, but they look past the differences on the outside to see the friend on the inside.

As our little ones grow older and become more exposed to the world around them, their observations can become clouded. Diversity isn’t always celebrated. And conformity is often rewarded. Instead of praising the incredible things that make us unique, we’re left out if we don’t fit in.

Yet, a new play is making acceptance a simple concept for kids to understand. Through its latest presentation, Unsorted, Metro Theater Company is shining a spotlight on the beauty of self-worth, personal identity and tolerance.

Unraveling the threads of separation

From the imagination of writer Wesley Middleton, Unsorted takes the audience into the world of Clothings. In this playful land, Jacket is the boss and believes everyone – Skirt, Stovepipe, Slacks, Sweater, and Swimsuit – need to be sorted into clearly defined groups. The problem is, no one knows where to start. The friends want to play together, but if they don’t separate according to Jacket’s rules, they’ll all be banished.

Just as in our own world, exclusion based on appearance and personality tears at the fabric of friendship. But thanks to the fun characters in this wacky world, Middleton helps open kids’ minds and hearts to the differences in others.

Julia Flood, artistic director for Metro Theater Company, expects the theme of unity to stick with audience members, regardless of age. “I hope that kids will realize that none of us are all just one thing or another; that we each have many aspects that combined make up who were are,” she remarked via email.

“To use the language of the play, we’re all ‘mixety,’ and that is something to be proud of and celebrate. The world would be a boring place if we were all exactly the same. I hope the play will make kids feel good about who they are. And that kids will begin to look around them and notice when someone is being left out – being ‘sorted’ as different from others – and that they’ll look for ways to be more inclusive.”

A public performance following a successful tour

Since January, Unsorted has experienced an impressive run at schools throughout the metro area. The play has struck a chord with kids from preschool to high school, opening the doors for discussion on diversity and acceptance and closing the window on bullying. By engaging kids through colorful costumes, a unique story and talented performs, the message sticks with them long after the play is over.

Now the traveling play will have a permanent home for one weekend at Wydown Middle School in Clayton. On April 12 and 13, catch Unsorted with your kids either day at 2 p.m. Tickets for the performance are $16 for adults and $12 students, and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/553555.

In addition to the performance itself, families are invited to stick around for fun activities after the show.

“We have several activities connected to Unsorted for audience members of all ages to take part in,” said Flood. “Some of those include the Mixety Quilt Station where participants can use wallpaper samples, paper and fabric to create their own personalized mini-quilts to take home, or the Grand Clock of Clockings, a community project in which each child can create a gear that will then become a part of the Grand Clock of Clockings mural.”

Kids can also navigate an obstacle course, snuggle up with a story in the Book Nook, make friendship bracelets, or create their own Unsorted characters by decorating paper dolls with tissue paper, fabric and other materials.

And just as important, they can take the message of Unsorted to heart by making some new friends throughout the afternoon.

For more information on Unsorted, visit metrotheatercompany.org.