Out North, well off the beaten path of the mainstream arts scene, yet again delivers Alaskans at their creative zenith with their 23rd Annual presentation of Under 30, three half hour or shorter pieces ranging from the sexual habits of Red Salmon, life behind bars and the importance of play for adults.

The show opens with Dr. Julius Rockwell presenting a tale of the sexual heroics and deviance of red salmon so compelling and humanistic a pescaterian might reconsider their diet. In his 90's, Rockwell lights up when he hits his stride and the audience is drawn in to the action and imagery he creates with his words.

Next Corinna Delgado's poetry stuns the crowd with the stark reality of well intentioned choices with dire consequences and time behind bars. Her delivery is fluid and her pace is fast, just fast enough that the images she offers have a moment to linger, but only a moment.

After a brief intermission and scene setting Joan Cullinane takes the stage and dives right into her childhood memories of Singing Beach and what she has lost and believes all of us need to regain: play. This audience interactive piece brings some of the audience out of their seats and onto the stage to play along with her and challenges the lines between performance and participation.

Under 30 continues through January 11th at Out North.

-- Bearded Jon