A very witty writer

The Acting Company continues the US tour with Polly Teale's Jane Eyre. A couple of local newspapers report it:

Today, March 2, the performance is in Toledo, OH. The Toledo Blade publishes an interview with Hannah Cabell, who plays Jane Eyre:

"[Jane Eyre] has been labeled one of the first pieces of feminist literature, which I wouldn't disagree with, but I do think that overall it's more of a human story that hopefully appeals to everyone. And it seems to me that it would. It's about a person's journey and personal growth," (...) The play's tone is dark, but Cabell urges audiences to pay attention. "When we were rehearsing … I was really struck by how much wit and humor there is in the book. Charlotte Bronte is a very witty writer and puts in little quips and asides, but you have to being paying attention to catch them. It really makes doing the play very fun, because it does sort of alleviate the [overall] dramatic nature." This version of Jane Eyre was adapted in 1997 by Polly Teale for the British company Shared Experience, which presented six shows in New York in 2000. Cabell is starring in the first American tour of Teale's adaptation, presented by the Acting Company. (...)

Although Bronte's novel is more than 150 years old, Cabell said the adaptation didn't have to change much to appeal to modern audiences. "I think the elements were already there," she said, and Teale just played on them. "Also, the direction is very interesting. I think it keeps the audiences engaged. Davis [McCallum], the director, is excellent in keeping the play moving on stage and really engaging the audience." The book spans many locations and time periods, and Cabell said the crew struggled with the set changes. In the end, McCallum decided on a simple set and uses costumes, lighting, and music to suggest time and place, allowing the viewers' imaginations to supply the rest."It's really imaginative and beautiful and moves very quickly, so I think even children as young as 10 will enjoy it," Cabell said. (Nanciann Cherry)

And you can also read this other article where a Toledo Jane Eyre finally sees Jane Eyre on stage :P

Finally, next March 6, the company will visit the Mississippi State University and The Reflector (the student newspaper) announces the event.

Picture Credits:
Picture 1 Christopher Oden will play Edward Rochester and Hannah Cabell stars as Jane in the Acting Company’s production of Jane Eyre. ( RICHARD TERMINE/THE ACTING COMPANY ).
Picture 2 Media Credit: Courtesy photo. From left, The Acting Company's Liv Rooth, Jeffrey M. Bender, Matt Steiner and Hannah Cabell.

Categories: Jane Eyre, Theatre