Jen Silverman’s provocative and eagerly anticipated play ‘Witch’ is set to make its debut at Portland’s Profile Theatre, with preview performances on October 16th and 17th. The official opening is scheduled for October 18th, under the direction of artistic director Josh Hecht.
A noted figure in contemporary theater, Silverman has built a reputation for her exploration of complex themes through unique storytelling. She deftly interrogates the human experience, often touching upon transformation, the desire for visibility, and the dynamics of power within communities. Silverman’s prior works, including her acclaimed plays and novels, have displayed her ability to blend humor with profound emotional weight.
‘Witch’ is an adaptation of the Jacobean tragicomedy ‘The Witch of Edmonton’ by William Rowley, Thomas Dekker, and John Ford. The original play presents a society grappling with the influence of the Devil, yet Silverman’s reimagining diverges from a simple critique of societal norms. Instead, it encapsulates two core questions: despair versus hope and the possibility of altering systemic entrapments.
With a focus on characters who navigate their desires and resentments, ‘Witch’ examines what it means to be human in a world fraught with expectations and limitations. The protagonist Elizabeth is a depiction of a character wrestling with her identity, standing in stark contrast to the community that has shunned her.
Profile Theatre’s commitment to life-affirming, intersectional stories aligns seamlessly with Silverman’s thematic intentions. Hecht recalls that reading ‘Witch’ rejuvenated his passion for theater productions, prompting the company to pair Silverman with fellow playwright Mike Lew to showcase a season rich in risk-taking and theatrical innovation.
Witch’s narrative pulsates with intensity and humor, leveraging Silverman’s sharp dialogue to convey profound emotional and social commentary. It invites audiences to delve into questions surrounding humanity, social norms, and the struggles for change and redemption.
In this production, the ensemble cast brings to life characters confronting their fears and aspirations amidst the town’s sordid backdrop. The narrative intricately weaves personal stories with communal struggles, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their societal standing, grapples with the nuances of identity.
Silverman’s adept fusion of dark comedy with existential themes ensures that the play does not descend into melodrama. Instead, it strikes a delicate balance that allows for reflection and introspection, encouraging audiences to engage deeply with their own definitions of hope and despair.
As the play unfolds, it explores critical systemic inequalities and individual desires for change. Characters like Sir Arthur Banks and his son Cuddy navigate their relationships in a hierarchy that diminishes their individual aspirations. Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s tenacity challenges the status quo, testing community boundaries and exposing the fragility of societal norms.
By embracing a wide array of emotions, from humor to heartbreak, Silverman crafts an immersive experience for the audience. The interplay of language and dramatic structure in ‘Witch’ not only pays homage to the Jacobean original but also resonates with contemporary audiences grappling with similar questions of existence and value in society.
In conversation with director Josh Hecht, the intensity and richness of Silverman’s writing are spotlighted, reflecting the transformative power of theater in addressing complex societal issues. The characters within ‘Witch’ symbolize broader societal struggles, all while yearning for acceptance and understanding.
Like her previous works, ‘Witch’ reflects Silverman’s ongoing engagement with foundational questions of human existence, drawing multiple inspirations from playwrights like Sarah Kane and Caryl Churchill. Both have influenced her approach to structure, content, and dialogue, cementing her place in the lineage of experimental and innovative theater.
As anticipation builds for the play’s debut, ‘Witch’ stands poised to invite audiences into a lively and thoughtful examination of the terms of existence, offering no straightforward solutions but instead fostering essential dialogue about the conditions that govern our lives and communities. Ursus, a previous play by Silverman, also stood out for its unique thematic focus, showcasing her consistent revisitation of the relationship between individual agency and systemic constraints.
Ultimately, Silverman’s ‘Witch’ emerges as both a reflection of our contemporary struggles and an exploration of timeless human dilemmas. Its debut promises to be a powerful examination of redemption, the complexities of identity, and the prospects for hope amidst despair.
image source from：orartswatch
