Baldwin Wallace will be putting on a performance of A.R. Gurney’s “The Dining Room” Oct. 25-29. René Copeland, an assistant professor of acting and directing at BW, will be directing the play as a part of BW’s sketchbook series.
A unique comedy of manners, “The Dining Room” depicts the overlapping situations of different households in only one setting. The play tells the stories of different families in different time periods, all united by the same dining room furniture set.
“This is a small cast show, it’s only got six actors playing all of the roles, and because of the way the play is structured I was really interested in doing it in the round,” said Copeland.
The performance of this play is unique due to the circle setting, which allows for a distinct connection between the audience and the actors. The setting really called to Copeland and helped her visualize how she wanted to put on this performance.
“It’s been a passion of mine to get to direct in that format,” Copeland said.
Along with its unique setting, the intricate characters are played by only six actors. Copeland found this particularly enjoyable, as she was able to connect with the actors on new levels as she watched them grow through their characters.
“It’s fifty plus roles being played by these six actors. I really love just being able to work with good actors on figuring out what’s the difference between these characters,” Copeland said. “In relatively short scenes they have to communicate something important in a pretty brief period of time.”
The content and meaning of the play itself can take many different directions. What audience members take away is specific to the viewer and their own experiences.
“There’s something built into us as human beings about that activity, being in this place where it’s about getting together with people, and that’s what ‘The Dining Room’ is about,” Copeland said.
The intrigue behind the connection occurring in this play is an additive to the interest of the performance. The meaning of connecting to others through a dining room table allows the audience to interpret the play to their own liking.
“The Dining Room” will be performed in the Black Box Theatre in Kleist Center for Arts and Drama on Oct. 25-28 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.
