Southside Talent in Acacia Theatre's "Endurance of Light"

Residents from West Allis (Katlyn Rogers Kelly and Matt Norby) and from Hales Corners (Caitlin Straw) bring their talents to Acacia Theatre’s production of “The Endurance of Light.” From stage manager Caitlin Straw to costume designer Katlyn Rogers Kelly to props master Matt Norby, the production crew supports the cast in this whimsical drama. The main character, Sophie, is a scientist and professor who has suffered multiple miscarriages. To cope with her circumstances, she refuses to leave the house, reading the work of historical figures Hildegard von Bingen, Albert Einstein and Ernest Shackleton. As Sophie imagines lively conversations with all three, they speak a hope she struggles to hear. A selection of Renaissance Theaterworks’ 2017 BR!NK New Play Festival, “The Endurance of Light” by Amanda Petefish-Schrag is a story about finding faith in the midst of struggle. Erin Nicole Eggers, a frequent collaborator with Acacia, directs this whimsical story about a woman searching for answers.

Katlyn Rogers Kelly welcomes the chance to work on a play where the brave topic of miscarriage will invite a conversation often unconsidered. “The play is about healing and faith. And it’s also primarily the balance of imagination versus reality. Because most of the play is time-fluid, and parts of it exist in the mind of the main character, my challenge is to find the right balance,” said Kelly.

Kelly’s inspirations on costume design emerge from collaboration. She said, “The majority of my preparations come from conversations with the director and often the actors. I find collaboration a healthy way to get the creativity started. I often build off of inspiration photos. I’ll look for artistic works that capture the mood and style I’m looking for in my design.”

Sophie, her husband, and her mother are “real,” but the other characters are a projection of her imagination, informed by research. Elaine Wyler plays the role of Hildegard von Bingen, a twelfth century nun. “Not many people have heard of Hildegard von Bingen,” Wyler said, “I’ve learned she was an amazing woman -- especially for the times she lived in. She was brilliantly gifted in so many different areas of expression: music, theatre, visual art, books, alchemy, to list a few.”

Bryant Mason plays the role of Ernest Shackleton, the explorer who led the Trans-Antarctic Expedition and nearly perished with his crew when his ship, the Endurance, was crushed by ice. He said, “The play tells of loss, grief, faith, and love. It tells the struggle between science and faith to explain the unexplainable or to alleviate suffering. It is about letting go and moving on, and the human capacity to endure.”

Mason continues, “The story is compelling. The writing is excellent. It is smart and tender, humorous when it needs to be, powerful and direct when it needs to be, seductive and beautiful when it needs to be. I think the journey of the central protagonist, Sophie, is rendered with great humanity and soul—relatable, touching, moving, and truthful to the human spirit in all its colors and range of emotions.”

Performances

Fri., July 19 at 7:30 P.M.; Sat., July 20 at 7:30 P.M.; Sun., July 21 at 3:00 P.M.; Thurs., July 25 at 7:30 P.M. Fri., July 26 at 7:30 PM; Sat., July 27 at 4:00 PM; Sun., July 28 at 3:00 P.M.

Ticket Information

The ticket prices are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors, full-time students, and full-time clergy, and $10 for children 12 and under. More information is available by calling (414) 744-5995 or visiting www.acaciatheatre.com

About Acacia Theatre Company

Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God. More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com