The UT Martin Department of Visual and Theatre Arts presented their Fall 2022 production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town on October 6 through 9. First performed in 1938, the Pulitzer-Prize-winning drama explores the fictional small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, in the early 1900s and examines the lives of various citizens and, more particularly, the lives of George Gibbs and Emily Webb, two adolescents who eventually get married.
The show is very unique in that it attempts to blur the lines between reality and the fictional events of the play. There are no props utilized; instead, the actors rely solely on pantomime, set design is very minimal, and the “stage manager” acts as the main narrator and commentator of the show and breaks the fourth wall many times by speaking directly to the audience. For such a unique show, director Ann Melanie Hollis also wanted to create a unique look to the set. For the show, it was decided that every actor involved would be onstage at all times. When their cue came up, they simply stood up and walked into position.
“It just seemed to make the most sense,” Hollis said. “ If we are doing the play without pretending it is real, why not have everything and everyone in plain view of the audience?”
Stylistic choices aside, at the heart of the play is an honest examination of life and the inevitable realization of our own mortality. Another central theme of the show is appreciating what you have while you still have it. The entire third act of the show revolves around death and involves deceased characters reflecting on the life they left behind and longing to go back. While the show may tackle melancholy topics, it has been widely appreciated since its debut on Broadway in 1938, and its time on the stage of the Harriet Fulton Theatre at UT Martin is no exception.
“I do think the show was well-received,” Hollis said. “ It addresses issues that people can relate to or shows us people we know in real life.”
The show also has an impact on those that participate in it.
“When I first saw the show, I thought that Emily would be such an incredible role to play someday, one that might impact people,” Carlin Cochran, who played the lead role of Emily Webb in the show, said. “My overall experience was fantastic. I learned so much about acting along the way. This experience further reinforced for me how important it is to trust your scene partner.”
Throughout the years, many artistic programs have been put on the chopping block when it comes to school budgets.
According to NFHS.org, “When cutting programs, superintendents strive to cut those that have the least impact on learning and that create the least amount of controversy. Wrongly, superintendents often recommend cutting some of the fine arts programs.”
With this in mind, the question is raised: Just how important are programs such as theatre?
“Theatre is still important, yes,” said Hollis. “Human beings are storytellers, and the sharing of these stories is an intimate event! Theatre is one of the most accessible ways to come together, in person, to share an experience that maybe can enlighten someone.”
Carlin Cochran offered a similar opinion.
“I would absolutely recommend that everyone should get involved in the theatre, and the arts in general, in some way. The arts are so, so important, and theatre itself teaches us how to be human,” Cochran said.
Artistic endeavors of all kinds offer some form of escapism. Whether it be watching a movie, painting a portrait, seeing a concert or watching a play, the arts allow a unique experience to the viewer and consumer.
“Even if you’re just a play-watcher, watch all the plays!” Cochran said. “Expose yourself to as much art as possible. I feel that that is an important part of becoming a well-rounded individual.”
