By Jeanne Beachwood
Communication is one of the rules of being human. You know, as in, “the school of life.” Communication can take on many different forms and is made up of so much more than words. Speaking is only one facet of communication. There is body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. The visual impaired can communicate with braille. The hearing impaired can communicate with sign language. Sign language is the unspoken way to communicate what we use to reveal our true feelings and to give messages more impact.
Under the direction of Matt Schwader Harbor, Eurydice will be presented at the Frantze Family Blackbox Theatre in the Goppert Performing Arts Center at Avila University, 119th & Wornall Road. Eurydice, written by Sarah Ruhl in 2003, presents a contemporary take on a timeless Greek myth. Ruhl explained that “in the myth, we never hear from Eurydice – she is always a cipher. I’m interested in her voice, a voice that hasn’t been heard before.” And we all know women deserve to be heard. This production incorporates sign language in portions of the show. This is part of Avila University’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the arts, two exclusive performances during the run will have professional interpreters.
Michelle Brisendine and Phil Fiorini are the interpreters. Fiorine is one of the first graduates of the theater program at Avila. Matt Schwader Harber is thrilled at the connection and shares that Fiorini has volunteered additional time to coach the students using sign language for portions of the show. This collaboration between professional artists and Avila students in perfecting their communication skills with sign language as well as providing a spiritual experience. The director shares, “I am always in awe of the students as I see them breakthrough with what they learn. I am so proud of them as I see the students grow up.”
Over 28 students and faculty are involved in Eurydice. Building sets, creating props, and performing are just a few of the students’ contributions. They have been rehearsing since early January. Due to the severe weather some rehearsal time was lost, but the show must go on. Literally, “Blood, sweat and tears are being poured into the show,” reveals the director.
Besides the element of sign language, the production will be presented in a magical realism style. “What is that?” one may ask. Matt Schwader Harber educates me in the definition. “Accepting magic circumstances as everyday occurrences.” There is no AI in this production, and it is not a streaming experience. These performances are a living and breathing representation for the theatrical arts.
Eurydice relies on the engagement of the audience. Each individual audience member might have a different reaction to the ending. Anyone who has experience in relationships and loss will be able to relate to the show. Besides being a play, Eurydice has also been turned into an opera. This show incorporates different ways to communicate with each other. Best suited for ages 12 on up, this production runs 90 minutes without intermission.
Show dates are February 22nd, 23rd, and 24th at 7:30pm and matinee performances on February 24th and 25th at 2pm. February 23rd and February 24th will be ASL sign-interpreted performances. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Box office at 816-501-3699 or emailing box.office@avila.edu.
Jeanne Beechwood is the Artistic Director of Martin City Melodrama in Grandview.
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