Joshua Willis, Campus Carrier Staff Reporter
“Genius,” a devised piece by Jan Lewis and Robert Fieldsteel, opens Thursday night at the E.H. Young Theatre. Directed by Lewis, performers from the Berry College Theatre Company give viewers a glimpse into the minds of geniuses.
Based on true events, the play portrays the lives and times of Gertrude Stein, the avant-garde writer and collector of modern art, her lover Alice B. Toklas and their salon of artistic and literary visionaries in early 20th century France.
The costumes are of subdued hues, occasionally enlivened with plaid and floral prints. Because members of the all-female cast often play male characters, their clothing is largely simple and gender-neutral; the use of hats, coats and other props helps to differentiate between characters. Though pleasing, the costumes and set designs rightfully do not distract from the acting and the show.
The show is a snapshot of the Parisian salon scene from the turn of the century to right after the Second World War. Though primarily concerned with the relationship between Stein and Toklas, other famous figures such as Pablo Picasso, George Braque and Zelda Fitzgerald also make appearances in “Genius.” Even if the play is appreciative of the time in which it is set, it is by no means nostalgic or sentimental. The vicious bickering, manipulations, and inflated egos of the era are depicted right beside the innovations. With the help of a well-written show, the talented cast attempts to explain the complex nature of genius and celebrity.
Freshman Hope Beebe, who played Gertrude Stein, enjoyed the experience, though it was a difficult one.
“Playing Gertrude is a very intimidating experience,” Beebe said. “She is a hard character to play because she was such a strong woman and we are very different in many ways. It is very rewarding and fun, though, trying to accurately portray someone as complex as she was.”
Sophomore Heather Pharis also appreciated the chance to bring the iconic figures of George Braque and Zelda Fitzgerald to life.
“I am so glad that I am able to play these larger-than-life roles,” said Pharis. “Zelda Fitzgerald was such a fascinating, multifaceted woman; she has long been one of my personal heroes. As for Braque, he practically revolutionized art and the way we look at it. Getting into their heads was an experience I will never forget,” Pharis said.
Freshman Miranda Flack believes that the play is an important one because it tackles the still-relevant concept of celebrity.
“I think ‘Genius’ is important because it examines both the legend of the characters and who they actually were,” Flack said. “The show reveals that celebrities are people too, with flaws and all. It is a relevant play, so I think people should definitely come and see it.”
