The life of the convict is often explored through different mediums of art. While there are many movies, poems, books and plays about male convicts, there aren't many available that concern female ones. This weekend will bring a new light to audiences' eyes: Basement Arts presents another look at the life of someone who is trying to survive in a world that despises the condemned.
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Getting Out Arena Theater, free Tonight-tomorrow at 7 p.m. Friday at 5 p.m. |
While enrolled in a performing arts high school in Louisville, Ky., BFA Performance senior Stacey Mayer discovered "Getting Out," a play that tugged at her heart and pulled at her mind.
Now, Mayer plans to tug hearts and pull minds in Ann Arbor as she presents her production of Marsha Norman's "Getting Out" in the Arena Theater.
What Mayer found most appealing about the play was its simple theme of how one woman tries to become a better person, but is denied the chance by society.
The beauty of this work is in the story itself. There are probably not many University students who are familiar with the life of a convicted felon. This production provides a realistic look at someone else's life. It is a chance to delve into other experiences and become someone you aren't or may never be. Since the play is free to all audiences, two hours of anyone's time is a small price to pay for such an experience.
The playwright's other credits include the Pulitzer Prize winning "Night Mother," as well as the book and lyrics of the musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's popular children's novel, "The Secret Garden."
"Getting Out" is set in Louisville, Ky., so Mayer is quite familiar with the atmosphere of the play. One obstacle she found in directing the show was the accents and dialects that her cast of 12 acting majors had to establish for their roles. Mayer worked extensively on accents with her cast, hoping to create a true-to-life drama.
"I want to present a show that is based upon realism. I want the audience to believe that the actors they see onstage are truly these characters. I've based much of the show on how realistic it is," said Mayer, in an interview with The Michigan Daily.
The production carries a cast of 12 characters portrayed by 10 actors who are all BFA Performance majors.
It's not easy to present large productions in the Basement, considering its tight space and small budget.
But that is the challenge that Mayer saw and wanted to tackle. While the cast is rather large for a basement show, Mayer said that she has "always wanted to direct this show ever since I first read it in high school.
"I feel that the Arena (Theater) is the perfect place for this production to happen, because it is very personal and in-your-face because of its size," Mayer added.
Mayer also explained that the play isn't entirely a forceful drama.
"It's a drama with comic relief," she added, not to dispel those who enjoy a little laughter in their theater. She and the cast have worked hard to present a realistic drama, with a small bit of entertainment on the side.
Whatever the case, "Getting Out" looks to be a promising event, and audiences will be able to experience the life of a woman unable to fulfill her dreams as a result of violent opposition from society.
"Getting Out," a Basement Arts production, traces the life of a convict.