A lot can happen to a person in 20 years.
And if you happen to be an actor, 20 years is a treasure trove of what the great Russian acting teacher Constantin Stanislavski called “affective memory” – when actors think of a moment in their own lives when they felt a certain way, and then replay the emotion in the role in order to achieve a more genuine performance.
For the four actors from South Whidbey who are reviving their production of Jane Martin’s “Talking With,” genuine performances should be a cinch.
Michele LaRue, Martha Murphy, Shelley Hartle and Martha Furey are a portion of the women who produced the play two decades ago atop The DogHouse in what was called the First Street Theatre back in those days.
Now, producing as Wild Women Productions, the four actors will open “Talking With” on Friday, Jan. 19, for four performances only at the Martha Murphy Mainstage at WCT’s Porter Building in Langley. Additionally, the troupe will travel to Ireland in September for a two-week tour of the show. (Fans of the show are welcome to go along.)
“Talking With” is a poetic celebration of women.
Through a series of diverse, revelatory monologues by eclectic and decidedly quirky characters, the play explores the experiences, perspectives and voices of women which are equal parts hilarious and soulful. The characters often reveal blinding insights that lend an unexpected poignancy to the play, which clinched the American Theatre Critics Association Award for Best Regional Play in 1982.
From the actress who threatens to kill her cat if she is not cast, to the evangelical snake charmer, to the tattooed adventuress, “Talking With” appeals to the hearts and the funny bones of both women and men.
Murphy said she has loved the play ever since it was introduced in 1982.
“The writing is so strong; it appeals to individuals from all walks of life,” Murphy said.
“It is a stunning play that illuminates all parts of the human spirit,” added LaRue. Every character is recognizable even though they are all so quirky.”
Eight of the 11 characters in “Talking With” will be reprised in this production, with the actors taking on two characters each.
Martin’s lyrical use of language and shrewdly drawn snapshots of wild and wonderful women are a delight for both the actors and the audience, and actors jump at the chance to play these roles. After 20 years of experience it will be interesting to see how these actors interpret them now as compared to 1986, Murphy said.
The characters, by way of the actors, will share moments that illuminate the whole curious business called life, and Wild Women Productions is ready to light up Langley with their rich experience of real lives lived and those this play revives once again on a new stage.
This play is recommended for mature audiences.
“Talking With” plays at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, 20, 21 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 21 at WCT in the Porter Building, Langley. For tickets and information call 221-8707.
Patricia Duff can be reached at 221-5300 or pduff@southwhidbeyrecord.com.
