Talkin' Trash, performed by Metro Theater Company, tells the story of Sam
(played by Nicolas Tayborn), a young boy obsessed with trash and recycling. After Sam's father loses his job, Sam's family moves to a rundown neighborhood next door to an elderly woman who struggles with compulsive hoarding.
The two eventually become friends despite their six decade age difference. But when one of the neighborhood kids pressures Sam to betray the woman, their unlikely friendship is put to the test.
"It's a play about community, friendship and our relationship with 'stuff,'" said Nicholas Kryah, who was inspired to write the play by Sam Klein, a boy from St. Louis who was so fascinated by trash that he had his own recycling company by age 12. Kryah decided to introduce this boy to an elderly woman, who was once his next-door neighbor, who was obsessed with stuff and memories.
Economic stress, intergenerational divides, and community decay are purposely reoccuring themes in the play. Metro Theater's Artistic Director, Julia Flood, said she hopes Talkin' Trash will open a conversation about these issues.
"The way we treat the things and people viewed as 'throw-aways' by many in our community says a great deal about who we are," Flood said. "How do we open a dialogue with our young people about our shared responsibilities as neighbors and as global citizens?"
In addition to Tayborn, the play also stars Beckah Reed, Katy Keating and Michael Cassidy Flynn.
Free performances are set for Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Mainstage Auditorium at Clayton High School.
Talkin' Trash is appropriate for ages 5 and up, and best for grades 2 through 8. Performances are free but tickets must be reserved.
For more information and to download free tickets, go to metroplays.org
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Meet up at the Nature Playscape in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Grandparents Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, and mealtime. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
Explore songs, finger plays, music and more during this Music & Movement class for ages 0-6. Some sessions are held in person at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Some sessions are virtual.
Tiny Trekkers is a weekly nature-based program for preschoolers (ages 3-5) at the Nature Institute. Preschoolers explore the nearly 500 acres of preserves through hands-on experiences out in nature. Kids stomp through creeks, use nets to catch and observe insects, taste edible plants, and learn about the natural world.
