Thursday, May 8, 2008 10:34 PM CDT
CAT performance puts actors in water
By ROB STROUD, Staff Writer
rstroud@jg-tc.com
CHARLESTON — The Charleston Alley Theatre’s goal of presenting “interesting, exciting, challenging shows that are not commonly done” has taken its actors in a new direction — into water.
The CAT’s current production of “Metamorphoses” is enacted in and around a pool of water in the center of the stage. The water represents the various transformations that take place in Roman poet Ovid’s myths, retold in this case with modern language, humor, and thought.
“Nearly everyone gets a turn in the water. If they don’t sit in the water, they walk through it,” said director J.M. Hughes of her cast.
“Metamorphoses” is set to open at 7:30 p.m. today. Additional performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Monday, May 16-17 and May 19 and 2 p.m. Sunday and May 18.
Hughes said she discovered playwright Mary Zimmerman’s aquatic, modern take on Ovid’s myths while researching prospective plays for the CAT. She said the presence of a large pool of water on the stage makes the play very unique.
“I don’t see it as a problem. I see it as an opportunity to do something challenging, which is what the Charleston Alley Theatre is supposed to do,” Hughes said.
Hughes said the CAT’s nearly square pool measures 7 feet by 8 feet square and is 6-8 inches deep. She said the pool has 30-inch decks on three sides and a deeper deck on the performance side. She said a pad has been placed underneath to prevent the cold concrete floor from chilling the water.
The director said she advised her cast members to “try not to grimace the first time you step in the pool, please” when they began rehearsing with the water earlier this week. She added the stage exits take a direct route to a pile of warm towels and costume changes.
Cast members in “Metamorphoses” play multiple roles. One of actress Arielle Johanpeter’s characters, Alcyone, sits in the water as she watches her husband, Ceyx, sail away and has a premonition that he will be lost at sea.
“You really just get used to it. The first night it was really cold, but after that it was normal,” Johanpeter said of being in the water
Johanpeter, 18, of Mattoon said moving in the water was awkward at first because her long dress gets wet, but she adjusted to this as well. Johanpeter is a veteran of Mattoon High School productions and the CAT’s “Rocky Horror Show,” but this is the first time she has acted in water.
“It’s a unique experience. It’s something different from anything else I have ever done, probably different from anything else I ever will do,” Johanpeter said. “It’s a unique artistic touch that is appropriate for the style of the play.”
Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors. Ticket reservations may be made by calling 345-2287 and at the theater, one hour before curtain. The CAT is located at 718 Monroe Ave., off the northeast corner of the courthouse square.
Contact Rob Stroud at rstroud@jg-tc.com or 348-5734.
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