Dan Hoyle's Theatrical Performance IT TAKES ALL KINDS at 222

Journalism takes flight in Dan Hoyle's solo theatrical performance, "It Takes All Kinds". Culled from hundreds of conversations Hoyle conducted over a large cross section of America, Hoyle set about to  register the present political climate. Hoyle uses selected conversations to re-enact "verbatim" in the persona of the individuals he interviewed. These portrayals pulsate with intelligence and a measured intensity. His ability to morph in the varied characters is uncanny. He's able to bring these people to life and imbues their stories with gravitas and humanity. Called a present day prophet by The San Francisco Chronicle, Hoyle describes himself as a dramatic journalist. By spreading the word of others Hoyle serves as a modern day messenger. His own overriding message is for people to maintain, "open hearts and open minds." Audience members are placed in the role of as an active listener in a one-on-one conversation, This approach enhances empathy by delving into one's personal history in a confiding, genial manner. Hoyle is able to convey not only differing political or ideological views, he gives a fully realized personal along with their views and rationales. As a broad and diverse nation, we tend to be logistically, economically or socially segregated. All too often, dialogues from differing  viewpoints are difficult to encounter. And, oftentimes opposing outlooks can become contentious conversations when presented with opposing convictions. These dramatized dialogues provide an earnest opportunity to fathom and empathize with a different way to consider how other people arrived at their way of thinking. These one-sided, re-enacted conversations eliminate divisive diatribes and replaces them with uninterrupted dialogues.  Several of the characters Hoyle searingly brought to life included a survivor of a racist mass shooting, a former violent felon turned social worker, high school students, barbers, a bartender and small business owners and others from different walks of life. Changing one's personal position was not Hoyle's intent. Nor was it likely to have been achieved from this engrossing theatrical experience. However, one should come away considering issues from a different perspective. And, perhaps realizing, we are all more alike than unalike.