Bridges Theater Company’s “Witch” Explores Morality and Humanity at Pittsburgh Playhouse
Table of Contents
- Bridges Theater Company’s “Witch” Explores Morality and Humanity at Pittsburgh Playhouse
- A Devilish Bargain: Exploring the Weight of the Soul
- Scratch and Frank: Contrasting Paths of humanity and Ambition
- Queer Themes and Societal Expectations
- Femininity and Moral Strength
- Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance: Set and Costume Design
- A Capstone of Hope and Connection
- Unmasking the Devil Within: Exploring Morality, Ambition, and Human Connection in Bridges Theatre Company’s “witch”
The Pittsburgh Playhouse recently hosted Bridges Theatre Company’s production of “Witch,” a thought-provoking play that delves into morality and humanity. The performance, held on the third floor, served as the senior capstone project for Madeline Bedford, a senior theatre arts major with a focus on fight direction. Bedford’s direction brought Jen Silverman’s script to life, offering a modern lens to examine timeless questions about the human condition and the choices we make. The play draws inspiration from a 17th-century story about the witch of Edmonton, a woman prosecuted and executed for witchcraft.
“Witch” reimagines this ancient narrative, infusing it with contemporary relevance and exploring the complexities of human desire and moral compromise. The play centers on the arrival of the devil in the English town of Edmonton,where he attempts to persuade villagers to sell their souls. The production featured six distinct characters, with Scratch playing a central role.
A Devilish Bargain: Exploring the Weight of the Soul
According to director Madeline Bedford, the core conflict revolves around the devil’s attempts to persuade the villagers to sell their souls. The play asks audiences to consider the true value of their inner selves.
This is a modern riff off of that tale, where the devil comes to the English town of Edmonton and tries to talk the villagers there into selling him their soul. It’s all about what’s the weight of a soul and what do we lose when we get everything we’ve ever wanted?
Madeline Bedford, Director
Scratch, portrayed by Charlie Kennedy, acts as a catalyst, prompting the characters to reveal their true selves and confront their deepest desires. The character’s interactions drive the play’s exploration of temptation and its consequences.
Scratch and Frank: Contrasting Paths of humanity and Ambition
Bedford highlighted the contrasting character arcs of Scratch and Frank, played by Jaylan Gardner. Scratch, initially a devilish tempter, undergoes a transformation, becoming more human as the play progresses. Frank, on the other hand, embodies greed and ambition, driving the play’s exploration of these themes. This contrast provides a compelling look at the choices individuals make when faced with temptation and opportunity.
One of my favorite things about Scratch as a character is that he becomes more grounded, more human, as the play goes on which is how he ends up connecting with Elizabeth and having that romantic relationship, whereas I woudl argue the opposite for Frank.
Madeline Bedford, director
Frank’s relentless pursuit of becoming heir and acquiring fortune leads him down a dark path, sacrificing his humanity and his connection with Winifred. This illustrates the play’s central theme: the cost of unchecked ambition. The play suggests that the pursuit of power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals.
[Frank] almost gets more devilish in nature, sort of losing his sense of humanity and his connection with Winifred as he pursues this goal of becoming heir and gaining this fortune. we see the cost of ambition, as scratch sacrifices his job and his ambition for elizabeth, whereas, by accepting it, Frank loses Winifred.
Madeline Bedford, Director
Queer Themes and Societal Expectations
The play also incorporates queer themes through Frank’s relationship with Cuddy, played by Ben Kucharski, the son of Sir Arthur. Cuddy, as the previous heir, grapples with societal expectations to marry and produce an heir, while his own interests lie elsewhere.This exploration adds another layer to the play’s examination of societal pressures and individual identity.
Bedford explained that the play’s subject matter naturally lends itself to exploring themes of queerness, feminism, and femininity, notably in the context of the witch trials and the rigid societal norms of the time. The historical setting provides a backdrop for examining the oppression of marginalized groups.
The play itself and the subject matter lends itself to those themes of queerness, feminism and femininity, just as of how the witch trials went. Tying into the queer theme and also of that expectation of what was normal and good in such a fanatically religious society.
Madeline Bedford, Director
Femininity and Moral Strength
Mia Hill’s portrayal of Elizabeth brings feminist themes to the forefront. Elizabeth is depicted as a strong, principled woman who remains steadfast in her morals, even in the face of societal judgment. Her unwavering integrity leads to an unexpected emotional connection with Scratch after she refuses to sell him her soul. Elizabeth’s character challenges traditional notions of femininity and highlights the power of moral conviction.
In contrast, Emily Walker’s Winifred represents a different viewpoint. While not the opposite of Elizabeth, she embodies the other side of the moral coin.Faced with hardship, Winifred is willing to sell her soul, setting off a chain of events that shapes the play’s narrative. This contrast highlights the complexities of moral decision-making in the face of adversity.
Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance: Set and Costume Design
The production’s success also owes much to the behind-the-scenes work, notably the costume and set design. Scenic designer Stella Frazer faced the challenge of creating a versatile set that could represent various locations, including a castle, a peasant’s cottage, and a bar, while remaining true to the 1600s time period. The set design played a crucial role in transporting the audience to the world of the play.
We go to a castle, we go to a peasant’s cottage, then there’s this bar at the top of the show. We just wanted to make sure that it was both compatible with all locations and honoring the time period, which is 1600s.
Stella Frazer, Scenic Designer
The set featured a low platform for easy prop movement and a backdrop of cracked wooden slabs, enhancing Katie gordy’s lighting design. costume designer Alaina Donovan overcame limitations in stock and material to create detailed and character-appropriate outfits. The costumes helped to define the characters and their social standing.
Mixing different elements within it, like figuring out what character would look best in which color and how the costumes would work with the actors and what they’re doing within the scene. So, finding that balance between period, but also practicality.
Alaina Donovan, Costume Designer
A Capstone of Hope and Connection
Despite the challenges encountered during production, Bedford expressed immense pride in “Witch” as her senior capstone project. The play’s exploration of hopelessness and the importance of community resonated deeply with her. The production served as a testament to her skills and dedication.
I really love this play. This play feels like capturing lightning in a bottle. It’s so easy to relate to the characters and their feeling of hopelessness; it’s so easy to become lost in that belief that things are never going to get better and that things are always going to be the same. it is indeed through the connection with our community and reaching out and leaning on the people who we support and who support us, that we can find the hope and we can find the joy and know that even if we’re not exactly sure when it’s going to happen, things will get better.
Madeline Bedford, Director
Ultimately, “Witch” at the Pittsburgh playhouse offered audiences a compelling exploration of morality, ambition, and the enduring power of human connection. The play’s themes continue to resonate with audiences long after the curtain falls.
Unmasking the Devil Within: Exploring Morality, Ambition, and Human Connection in Bridges Theatre Company’s “witch”
Did you know that a seemingly simple reimagining of a 17th-century witch story can offer profound insights into the complexities of the human condition? Let’s delve into the captivating production of “Witch” with Dr. Evelyn Reed, Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Southern California, and a leading expert on morality plays and their contemporary relevance.
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Reed, “Witch,” a recent production by Bridges Theatre Company, uses the familiar trope of the devil’s bargain to explore contemporary themes. What makes this approach particularly effective in today’s world?
Dr. Reed: The enduring power of the Faustian bargain – the exchange of one’s soul for worldly gain – lies in its universality. The play’s effectiveness stems from its ability to translate this age-old conflict into a modern context. We still grapple with ethical dilemmas, the seduction of power and wealth, and the internal conflicts that arise when personal ambition clashes with moral integrity. The devil,in many interpretations,isn’t a literal entity but a portrayal of our own internal temptations,the compromises we make,and the costs of those sacrifices. That timeless resonance is what makes the play so impactful. The play deftly explores the complexities of the human condition, reminding us that our choices have consequences.
World-Today-News.com: The play contrasts the character arcs of scratch, who becomes more human, and Frank, who descends into moral depravity. How does this dichotomy illuminate the play’s central themes of ambition and moral compromise?
Dr. Reed: This contrasting character development brilliantly showcases the multifaceted nature of human nature. Scratch, initially the devilish tempter, undergoes a significant transformation – demonstrating that even beings associated with evil can find redemption through acts of compassion and love. Ultimately, his emotional connection suggests a possibility for moral rehabilitation. Frank embodies unchecked ambition, sacrificing his relationships and moral compass in pursuit of worldly success.His descent highlights the dark side of ambition,the insidious corrosive nature of greed even,and the potential for the corruption of even the most well-intentioned. His arc underscores that what may seem like success has an insidious cost which could potentially manifest as a complete loss of humanity. The play argues that the cost of unchecked ambition is far greater than any material reward.
World-Today-News.com: The play also explores queer themes within the context of societal expectations. How does this enhance the themes of morality and societal pressure?
Dr. Reed: Integrating queer themes adds a crucial layer of complexity to the play’s exploration of societal pressure and self-discovery. Cuddy’s struggle against societal norms that dictate traditional heteronormative relationships demonstrates the pervasive influence of social expectations on individual choice and identity.
The play effectively uses history to illuminate that these power dynamics can exist within different types of relationships. This historical context offers a powerful metaphor for highlighting the oppression of marginalized groups, who are frequently enough forced to conform to dominant societal norms, often at great personal cost. The play challenges audiences to consider how various societal pressures significantly limit personal autonomy and dictate how people behave.
World-Today-News.com: Elizabeth’s unwavering moral strength juxtaposes with Winifred’s willingness to compromise. What does this contrast reveal about the nature of moral decision-making?
Dr. Reed: The contrasting choices made by Elizabeth and Winifred offer a compelling exploration of moral decision-making amidst adversity. Elizabeth demonstrates the power of moral conviction and maintaining integrity, even when under immense societal judgment. alternatively,Winifred illustrates that the temptation of satisfying immediate need or wants can significantly impair one’s moral outlook.This contrast doesn’t present them as inherently good or bad, indicating that even good individuals are capable of significant moral compromises in desperate circumstances. That makes moral decision-making complex and relative to ones circumstances. Both illustrate the complexities of weighing personal gain against ethical principles, highlighting the fact that moral choices are rarely simple.
World-Today-News.com: how do the set and costume designs contribute to the overall impact of the production?
Dr. Reed: The production’s excellence extends beyond the script itself; the set and costume design played a vital role in establishing ambiance and shaping audience response. The versatile set, capable of representing several locations while remaining true to the 17th-century time period, successfully transported viewers into the world of this play. The costumes enhanced character development and facilitated identification of characters’ status in society. A well-designed set and detailed costumes do more than just visually capture attention; they shape the play’s thematic resonance and how audiences experiance the narrative.
Key Takeaways:
The enduring relevance of the faustian bargain: The play’s exploration of the devil’s bargain remains timely and relevant to our contemporary existence.
The duality of human nature: The contrasting character arcs of Scratch and Frank highlight both potential for redemption and the pervasiveness of moral corruption.
Societal pressures and individual identity: The play’s exploration of queerness within a historically rigid context emphasizes the damaging effects of social norms on self-expression.
The complexities of moral decision-making: Elizabeth and Winifred’s juxtaposing paths demonstrate that moral decisions are inherently nuanced and context dependent.
* The critical role of design: Set and costume design contribute significantly to the overall impact and the audiences’ experience.
World-Today-News.com: Dr. Reed, thank you for shedding light on the meaningful complexities of “Witch”. This incredible play sparks crucial conversations about morality, ambition, and the enduring human need for connection. What are your final thoughts for our readers?
Dr. Reed: I encourage readers to consider how the play’s themes resonate with their own lives and experiences. Think about those times you’ve been tempted by personal gain at the expense of ethical action and what costs were actually incurred. Reflect on the implications of social pressures from religion to social stigmas on the lives and choices made by individuals today. Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below! Let’s continue the conversation.