My overall impression
I think this group of young actors has great potential. However, Pagan Play seems more like a class workshop rather than an actual production. The idea is there, but the story is not quite there yet. It feels like it is trying to be too much with no real focus. The rectangular set with sticks and leaves is great and very effective but the moving of each set piece for every single scene change makes the story drag on…and on. Costumes were interesting and creative and I personally loved music choices.
Claire Kaplan as the Queen completely steals the show – a finely nuanced and wonderfully timed performance. I hope to see more work form her.
There are a few moments of lovely and poetic text that should be kept as the basis for further development. There was a movement dance-esque sequence between the Faun and Allerleiruah that was beautiful but wasn’t properly built up to nor was it ever referred to again making it seem out of place.
Overall – the group needs to really develop the text and the world more for it be effective.
