CSM artist-in-residence Molly Seremet to present locally crafted play
91³Ō¹Ļ, NEB. ā 91³Ō¹Ļ (CSM) artist-in-residence Molly Seremet and her team of CSM student-artists are preparing for a fast-approaching opening night. Seremetās original production, which will debut on April 26th as °ä³§²Ńās spring performance, will play off of Willa Catherās The Enchanted Bluff, blending the bittersweet themes of the short story with unique content created by both Seremet and CSM students.
āThe students have created this performance from the ground up, fusing Catherās story with their own experiences, words, and dreams,ā said Seremet. āBecause the group is tight-knit, weāve had the opportunity to really get inside of each studentās ideas and honor everyoneās individual thoughts and contributions to the work at large.ā
A professional actor, deviser, and director, Seremet will showcase her specially-devised play in three performances. The play will also serve as the culmination of her spring theater production classes at CSM. During the classes, the artist-in-residence and emerging American theatremaker used °ä³§²Ńās intimate setting to inspire students and pass on artistic techniques.
āIāve been continually impressed by the curiosity and thoughtfulness of these students as we work to make a play together,ā said Seremet. āThe text of this play has come almost entirely from the students and was devised through a series of writing assignments designed to allow us to get inside of Catherās story.ā
She says that, in addition to gaining artistic skills, students have used her classes to grow as leaders and individuals.
āOver the course of our devising process, Iāve watched the students grow in confidence in their own voices and the stories they have to tell,ā she said. āTheyāve taken on leadership roles within the process and have continued to refine and shape their own work as rehearsals progress.ā
āIāve never been involved in a devised play, so this experience is new for me,ā says Marie Hain, sophomore from Norfolk, NE. āIāve really enjoyed analyzing the story for its main themes, interpreting the story to fit our group of actors, and coming up with a collaborative script with Molly and the other students. The process has both made me appreciate Cather's short story more and broadened my perception of theater.ā
Alongside Hain in this production will be Jessica Beck and Faith Johnson of Omaha; Madison Harbour of Davenport, IA; and Abigail Simmons of Bellevue, NE.
Seremetās finished product will draw on the themes of hope, dreams, and wonder.Ģż The play will incorporate characters from Catherās original work ā a group of young boys in Nebraska in the early 20th century ā but Seremet notes her version will be ājust as much about the group of young women who have come together to make this performance in the 21st century at 91³Ō¹Ļ.ā
Following the classic formula of Catherās original coming-of age-story, Seremetās production will combine warmth and humor with hints of both the hopeful and sad. The Enchanted Bluff follows a group of high school friends as they head out for one last camping trip before the end of summer break and tells a story about growing up, building connections, and wanting more. ĢżSeremet says the unique ensemble of an all-female cast from a womenās college filters āCatherās close-knit group of boys through a very different lens.ā
āPeople should come to see the show and experience the way this story from over 100 years ago still speaks to our hearts and the things we want for ourselves and for our children!ā added Seremet.
Before coming to CSM as the spring artist-in-residence, Seremet completed several roles as a professional actor, deviser, and director. Recently, she co-directed Paul Menzer's Robin Hood is DeadĢżfor the American Shakespeare Center's bi-annual Blackfriars Conference, and her solo-devised show Martinās (words lost)Ģżhas toured internationally.
