February 19, 2020 | Elyssa Gideon | reporter |
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For their first show of the spring, an adaptation of Annie Baker’s “Circle Mirror Transformation,” will premiere 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the C.A. Roberson Theatre.
The last play SE associate drama professor Drew Hampton directed for the school was more historic and tragic, so this time he knew he wanted something modern with a splash of comedy.
“The play offers the same kind of variety and uncertainty that life does,” Hampton said. “It’s hilarious at times, sad in others. It’s a thoughtful reflection of the ups and downs being a human being entails.”
This play follows the small-town New England residents who congregate weekly for an acting class at their community center.
The director and actors agree that this play will feel very relatable due to the naturalistic style of writing of this piece.
The play will “give people a chance to relate and feel a sense of growth throughout the show alongside each character,” SE student Mariem Lara said.
Along with possibly recognizing themselves within the characters, viewers may also find themselves in behaviors or nuances of the characters.
“It truly is a play about the awkwardness of human interaction and just life in general, and how we are constantly searching for the right things to say,” SE student Dietrich Calhoun said.
The theater will be transformed into a “modified thrust space.” Seating surrounds the stage on three sides, Hampton said. This stage style brings the audience closer to the actors.
“I think the story is both a fun one and an important one, because I feel the show really captures just how awkward and exciting meeting new people can be and what can blossom from it, for better or worse,” Humphreys said.