Ep 5. The Urban Rez

The Urban Rez is the fifth episode of the first season of the American drama television series RISE. The show is based on the novel Drama High by Michael Sokolove and follows the story of a high school teacher who takes over the school's struggling theater department and revitalizes it with new and unconventional ideas that resonate with the students.

The Urban Rez picks up where the previous episode left off, with Drama Director Lou Mazzuchelli and his students working on their upcoming production of Spring Awakening. In this episode, the students are dealing with a number of challenges as they prepare for the show, including personal issues, family problems, and financial difficulties.

One central theme of this episode is the concept of a "reservation," referring to a community of indigenous people living within a designated area, often located within a larger city. Students in the school's drama department come from a variety of backgrounds, including those with indigenous heritage. Mazzuchelli and the students explore these themes as they work to create a production of Spring Awakening that speaks to their own experiences.

Another major plotline in The Urban Rez involves the school's decision to cut funding for the drama department, leaving Mazzuchelli scrambling to find a way to fund the production. The students work together with Mazzuchelli to come up with creative solutions, including a fundraising concert and a talent show.

As the students work on the production of Spring Awakening, they delve deeper into their own personal struggles and relationships. The episode explores themes of love, self-discovery, and identity as the characters come to terms with who they are and where they come from.

Overall, The Urban Rez is a powerful episode that showcases the struggles of young people from diverse backgrounds as they navigate the world of high school and the pressures of putting on a successful production. The show is filled with heartwarming moments, powerful performances, and important messages about the importance of art, storytelling, and community.