Anyone in the US who lost their entire life savings, their home, their business, or their job starting in September 2008 will remember with horror the most devastating financial meltdown of the 21st Century. September 15th marked the day when Lehman Brothers collapsed and declared bankruptcy. Dubbed “The Great Recession,” this crisis led to a severe economic recession, with millions of people losing their jobs and countless businesses going bankrupt through no fault of their own.

Image: Photo by Giao Nguyen

Seattle Shakespeare Company has commissioned its first play: A world premiere by local playwright, screenwriter, and performer Keiko Green. Ms. Green, who splits her time between Seattle and Los Angeles, has crafted a fast-paced comedy that takes place on a college campus and centers on three roommates, one of whom is having boyfriend troubles that lead to a series of schemes in attempts to solve the problems. But, as in all great comedies, the best-intended plans are waylaid by misunderstandings, miscommunication, and even mistaken identity.

The Lower Depths is full of heartbreak and intense subject matter, yet this production infuses the play with an undercurrent of grit and perseverance which demands that we engage in self-reflection, reminding ourselves that we live in a city where there exists a jaw-dropping wealth gap and every soul living among us, even those who have little, deserve dignity and kindness.