Actor John Morello Brings “Dirt” Performance to Freshman and Sophomore Classes

3/9/2017

Actor, comedian and author John Morello presented his project “Dirt” to Loyola’s freshman and sophomore classes in March. “Dirt” is a one-man show that explores the challenges and decisions young people face every day. The performance raised awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of building an inclusive community.

Morello is a talented storyteller known for his ability to tackle difficult issues, such as drug use, bullying and diversity with an approach that is at once humorous and motivational.

“I think the presentation was masterfully crafted,” says freshman Sophia Dempsey. “Mr. Morello conveyed heavy topics in a lighthearted way, and he used comedy to make them relatable without making light of the issues themselves.”

Using simple props and quick costume changes, Morello tells his story as a survivor of what he calls a “high-risk” childhood through four distinct characters: David/Pi, Jason, Melissa and Hank. On seemingly disparate paths, the characters journeys begin to intersect as the performance unfolds. By the end, the story highlights the interwoven narratives and illustrates the profound impact of daily choices.

“There was something in each character that I could relate to,” reflects sophomore Elizabeth Balentine. “He gave a voice to the voiceless.”

To learn more about John Morello and “Dirt,” visit http://www.johnmorello.com/

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