Stephanie Steiner | Arts & Life Co-Editor

On Wednesday, November 5, Buena Vista University (BVU) Theatre performed the first showing of their fall play, William Inge’s “Picnic.” Associate Professor of Theatre Dr. Michael Whitlatch is the director of the play. Based in the 1950s, the play demonstrates the way society functioned during that time and offers insight to the audience about what society members endured.

Women in the 1950s faced high expectations. Throughout the play, two daughters are struggling with these expectations. Madge wants to be more than just a pretty face, and Millie wants to be a writer, but these dreams are constantly being stifled.

“I hope the audience takes away the conditions of that era. The play got me thinking about my youth, so I wanted the audience to confront those things and confront the issues that women were facing. Society has changed. I don’t think that dates the play, I think instead it forces us to look at the play and think in terms of how things have changed, I would like to think, for the better, ” Whitlatch said.

The cast for this play is a fairly young and inexperienced group, but they worked extra hard to make this play great because of that.

“With a young and unfamiliar cast, the preparation always starts out a little rough, but as the rehearsal process continues, it is always great watching everything come together. The teamwork that goes into that process is very rewarding,” junior cast member Austin Delp said.

“My experience directing this play has gone quite wonderfully. The cast was new to me and new to the way that we do things. I’m proud because they came so far. That’s what really means a lot to me. I hope that people appreciate the job that they’ve done,” Whitlatch said.

This play is sophomore Katalina Ford’s first speaking role on a stage. She explains that this has been quite the worthwhile experience for her, and the ten hours a week of practice have paid off.

“Getting to know everyone on a personal level and developing a trust and friendship with the other cast members is so unique and special,” Ford said.

Along with connecting with the cast, Ford believes that acting in front of an audience has plenty of advantages.

“There’s a vulnerability to acting and performing in front of a live audience that you don’t get from a movie. You get to show the audience something that they may not have gotten to see otherwise,” Ford said.

One of the main purposes of BVU Theatre is to educate students not only in the theatre program, but also to expose the audience to the breadth of dramatic literature.

“What theatre should be about is not that the set was neat, the lighting was perfect, the sound cues were wonderful, or the costumes and acting were good, but after it’s over with, I want you to think about the theme. What the point of it is,” Whitlatch said.

Be sure to listen to train whistle that sounds throughout the play; it is an important minor detail signifying a common way the characters are feeling: I’m off; I’m going to find better things.

“Picnic” will be performed three more times on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday November 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30p.m.

Photo by Tyson Domingo