Can we forgive others for the wrongs they have done to us? Can we forgive ourselves for the wrongs we have done to them?
I sat down quietly in the back row, letting my eyes adjust to the pitch black of the auditorium. The stage was completely dark in front of me, except for a stark projection reading “Part 3.” A spotlight found a somber girl standing downstage; she began to sing. It was a haunting ballad, and although I had walked in on the middle of the story, my response to her mournful melody was stronger than I would have expected.
The rehearsal was for Language of Angels, the first main stage show of the year for Saint Louis University’s theatre department. The show, which will be performed in Xavier Hall Auditorium, opens tonight at 8 p.m. and will end its five-show run on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m.
Coming in at under an hour and a half, the show is short but packs a lot of punch.
Junior Lindsey Trout, who plays Celie, the main character, says this show is like nothing she has ever seen on stage. Various technical aspects, such as video streaming live from cameras, a small cast and a unique script make this show one-of-a-kind.
Angels is written as Noh-style theatre-a highly stylized form of Japanese drama, which involves story lines that provide a deep investigation into a specific incident. Trout explains that Naomi Iizuka, who wrote Angels, more or less wrote a Noh play and set it in modern times in rural North Carolina.
During the rehearsal process, director Tom Martin discussed the Noh tradition and culture with the cast so they could better grasp the material.
When asked what it is like working with Martin as a director, Trout said that it is an experience like no other.
This is their first collaboration, and she has thoroughly enjoyed working with him.
“As an actor, Tom really helps you get to the core of the character; he really pulls out all the stops,” Trout said.
Trout’s collaboration with Martin isn’t the only one she has appreciated while working on this show. Angels has a small cast of eight, so the friendships in the show are as genuine offstage as they are onstage.
According to Trout, having a small cast has been beneficial. The eight players have been able to create a shared memory as an ensemble, adding to the believability of their individual portrayals.
SLU students will appreciate this show for a number of reasons. The writing is poetic, and the contemporary plot and themes will be easy for students to relate to.
Intrigue and supernatural situations also play a vital role in holding the attention of the audience. However, Trout notes that having an open mind while watching this show is essential.
“I think college students expect a lot of spectacle and flashiness, but this type of theatre is more about the language and the truth [of the story]. The language is riveting, and the images are arresting,” she said.
Tickets range from $6-$10 and may be purchased at the Xavier Hall Box Office in the lower level of Xavier Hall.
