The Elm Student Newspaper
The Love of the Nightingale now playing in Tawes; tragedy addresses issues of violence, rape, and hate
Cheryl McDaniel
The cast of The Love of the Nightingale
rehearses for its show this weekend in
Tawes.
Christina Vouros, Elm photographer
Violence is the topic of the drama department's first production of the semester.
The Love of the Nightingale by Timberlake Wertenbaker "is not only a myth, but also a satire on the effects of violence in society," said Junior and stage manager Tamanya Garza. "It chronicles the progression of anger and betrayal and shows how they can destroy a whole way of life.
It also takes a very complicated look at the manner in which society deals with violence."The myth begins with Procne and Tereus marrying and giving birth to a son, Itys. The true drama of the play begins when Procne, out of loneliness, asks Tereus to retrieve her sister, Philomele. Tereus falls in love with Philomele and starts the violence that continues throughout the play.
"The way it deals with the violence ... it's a survivor's tale," said assistant stage manager Allison Heishman. "The time period was very male-dominated and because it's about a way to rise above the violence, it makes it even more powerful."
Nightingale is the first production of the semester from the drama department.
Under the direction of Professor Timothy B. Maloney, actors and audience alike will learn a great deal."Since this is a department show, I get to work closely with TM [Tim Maloney] and observe and learn from his directing style," said Garza. "I also hope that a lot of people take something meaningful away from the show."
"I think it's great working with TM," said chorus member and king Boothe Crumbly. "He is a very smart man and I've learned a lot from him."
Sarah Middleton, who plays Helen of the female chorus and a nurse, agrees: "This is a very traumatic plot that connects with issues of rape and silence of the victims. Watching this production would give anyone tingles.
The audience should enjoy TM's take on Nightingale, but it is not for the weak-hearted.""Wertenbaker really found the most effective way of using language to create this beautiful but terrifying script," said sophomore Jillian Fletcher, who plays Philomele.
She added, "I think the audience is going to be freaked out. They'll probably feel uncomfortable, but hopefully they'll think."
"It's supposed to disturb you and make you ask questions about these horrible issues," said senior Renée Paquin, who plays Itys.
"It's very serious subject matter," said Crumbly. "It's been very tough to go through it every night."
"I can't say that I identify with some parts of my character," said A.J. Rendo, who plays the main source of violence, Tereus. "But I have enjoyed the challenge. I hope that everyone doesn't hate me, but then again, I would know I was doing something right."
Even though the subject matter is disturbing, all involved with the play have found it to be a wonderful experience.
"Working with TM is just so amazing. And the cast is fabulous. It's a real kind of collaborative feeling, of everything coming together to create something really important," said Fletcher.
"And the cast is huge, so I almost didn't expect that, but we really have come together. TM has such a brilliant way of looking at everything ... almost every moment of rehearsal has been fascinating!"
"He walks you through walls," said Rendo. "It's pretty amazing."
"I'm glad to be a part of the first department show of the semester ... it's great that the season is kicking off with such a powerful and very different show," said Fletcher.
"This is my first time acting in a full-length play at WC, and I'm really enjoying myself," said Paquin. "I think all of the actors are very talented, and they give a very powerful performance."
"Everyone has been great and wonderful and fantastic," said director Maloney. "I hope the audience will go away moved enough to think about the issues; the violence and the silencing ... and I hope they make connections between the theater and their own life relationships."
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782