Another Fall semester is nearly halfway over, which means that the Theater Department’s fall production is just around the corner.
The department has chosen the play: “A Woman of No Importance”, by Oscar Wilde. Written in 1893, this play continues to adapt to the modern world as it addresses the roles of gender in society.
“The play is a witty British comedy from the 1800s”, shared Ella Anderson, a Junior portraying the role of Lady Hunstanton. “It follows a group of British aristocrats and one American puritan staying together in an English country house. Throughout the story, their differing worldviews and ideologies begin to clash. Scandals and secrets are revealed, while hypocrisies are pointed out. It explores the double standard that [men and women] are held to as well as themes of social class, hypocrisy, and ultimately redemption and hope.”
Along with an intriguing and meaningful storyline, this show also provides a special sense of community. One of the most rewarding aspects of theater is the bond that is formed between the crew and actors in the cast.
“We have such a beautiful cast full of very strong women and men”, said Assistant Director Hannah Young. “They have all been able to grow close and it’s truly like another family. Everyone has been amazing at taking the challenges we throw at them and being willing to push themselves with roles many of them have never experienced before.”
After directing the Ignited Class Sophomore Musical last Spring, Young values her new role as Assistant Director because it has given her an opportunity to both learn from Director Catherine Gaffney and gain experience in mentoring other actors as well.
“I love being assistant director because it allows me to observe Catherine Gaffney at work in a much closer way and receive mentorship from her”, Young said. “It has as well allowed me to spend one on one time with actors mentoring them through character work and line runs.”
“A Woman of No Importance” will run on the weekends of November 2-4 and November 9-11, and tickets are on sale now: $10 for students, $12 for faculty and staff, and $15 general admission. In addition to these two weekends of shows, the Friday evening performances will be followed by interactive talkback sessions facilitated by Director Gaffey and Asbury professors to explore the key themes found in the play. Faculty and staff, families, and students are highly encouraged to come see this special cast bring a classic Oscar Wilde play to life on stage.
“Oscar Wilde found a way to expose hypocrisy with words in this play”, said Director Catherine Gaffney. “Though it was written 130 years ago, it still addresses modern issues such as power, gender roles, scandal, prejudice. Quotes from this show like, ‘The world was made for men and not for women’, made me think of the recent “Barbie” movie and question if we have changed much at all over the last century.”
Not only does this play bring to light social issues that have spanned decades, but it also allows audiences to think and wrestle with certain ideas.
“And what a joy to mix these sociological, ethical, and theological questions with a bunch of laughs and great Victorian costumes!”, Gaffney said.
“This play is important to see because it shows that none of us are perfect”, stated Ella Anderson. “But just because we have made one mistake doesn’t mean that we should be shut out from any chance of love or respect. As Lord Illingworth says, ‘The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future’.”