Liberty University’s Department of Theatre & Dance opened William Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” on Friday, Oct. 23.
The play, directed by Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance Neal Brasher, explores the themes of jealousy, regret, anger, forgiveness and redemption. Shakespeare’s play begins by following King Leontes, played by senior Ben Wall.
Wall shared his experiences and challenges executing a role in a play that is both tragedy and comedy. He said that while the script clearly reads as a tragedy, reading some of the lines comedically helped him balance both aspects of the play.
Wall also said there are biblical themes in the play.
“(King Leontes’) death in his first act of his old self, his repentance in the second act and ultimately his restoration in the second act is so biblical,” Wall said. “The person I think about biblically is King David.”
King Leontes wrongly accuses his pregnant wife, Queen Hermione (played by senior Lauren Kost), of adultery. The audience is taken through a journey of betrayal, following Hermione’s imprisonment.
The play continues in the second half 16 years later with King Leontes’ and Queen Hermione’s grown daughter and a whole new set of characters.
Kost said there are attributes she admires in her character.
“I admire her resilience and her wit,” Kost said. “I think those are things that I aim to have.”
Kost also sees Christian elements in this Shakespearean play.
“There is forgiveness where there should not be forgiveness. There is redemption where there should not be redemption. I think the beauty of it is that it goes past logic, and that is what the grace of God does for us,” Kost said.
While the queen is away, Paulina, played by junior Samantha Glick, stands strong on her beliefs and speaks truth to the king.
Glick said she relates to her character.
“I really relate to my character in that way of ‘I will speak the truth, and I will defend those who can’t speak for themselves,’” Glick said.
Paulina is a true friend, who is not afraid to speak the truth boldly.
“My character is just incredibly, incredibly strong,” Glick said.
Glick said she has learned more about friendship through the role of Paulina.
“How can I be more like her? More bold in my faith, in my friendships, in everything,” Glick said.
Shakespeare’s play faces the reality of human darkness. The characters experience deep emotions including loss, love and anger. However, the script also portrays biblical messages.
“The Winter’s Tale” ran in the Black Box Theater through Nov. 1.
Senes is a news editor for The Liberty Champion.