Georgia Southern Students are getting ready to perform a thrilling show on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Here’s a sneak peak into some of the preparations these artists have made to bring the twisted story by John Hardy to life.

“This is actually the third time in 20 years that I have done this show, so I have so much connection to the show. This play in particular hit me at a very pivotal point in my artistic life, my little egg just, like, cracked,” said Director Jayme Tinti.

With this being her first time having the opportunity to direct, Director Tinti proposed a twist: the performance of John Hardy’s play which merges the works of Edgar Allen Poe, combined with the tale of his own upbringing.

The Stars of the Stage Provide Insight:

Despite Poe’s known association with horror, actress Morrow Smith hopes that the underlying themes of grief, heartbreak and internal conflicts within the characters are conveyed to the audience. 

“That’s where the horror comes from,” said Smith. 

With John Hardy’s production being a blend, Noemi Presa, with one of her roles as William Wilson, provided clarity on the format of the play.

“It’s like we are taking in certain people that apply to the setting. You are becoming something in order for the action to happen,” said Presa

“I just think about what that character is going through in the moment, what they may be feeling and channel that through myself towards the audience and the other characters on stage,” said June Waldroup in expressing empathy with the character.

On the question of stage design, Ron Saypack expressed the importance of abstraction and how working with Mark Redden produced mostly “in the moment” results through their method of incorporating both practical and modern design to aid in telling the intended story. 

With final tweaks to wardrobe and perfection of lines, the Armstrong campus’ Jenkins Hall stage is transformed as our characters await their audience.

Get your tickets here!