“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” is one of those stories that touches everyone’s life in one way or another. Whether you read it in a high school class, performed in it or just went to the theatre to watch it, there is no arguing that it is an American classic. With its iconic characters and unforgettable scenes, it's no wonder that this play has stood the test of time.
Now this show is being taken on by the Waterworks Players, under the direction of Dudley Sauve. Sauve is a seasoned veteran who even has some film acting credits to his name including “Confinement” and “The Kings of Farmville.” Sauve is using his directorial skills to bring this time-honored production to life. Sauve recalls that “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” ushered in a new era for the world of playwriting.
“I like realistic drama, and this is the play that really began the realistic movement. I was teaching at the University of Cincinnati when I first read it.”
Sauve went on to read the play many more times, including when he was preparing for his time as director. Though it may sound simple, Sauve said that reading and re-reading the play was what helped him the most when it came time to start the process.
“As always I read the play as often as I can. Usually I see it in my head as I'm reading it and then just have to put that into real actions.”
Sauve’s vision for the production was very clear in his mind. Now it was his job to make the vision clear to his actors, which proved to be a more difficult task than he anticipated.
“I find communication with my actors sometimes most difficult....especially when what I see in my head is difficult to explain in terms of real motivation, movement and voice. It is a real turn-on when what I imagine is translated into actual action on stage.”
While Sauve was able to use his actors to convey the message that he wanted to send, he isn't spilling any secrets. He wants to make sure not to pre-suggest anything to the audience but rather he wants them to walk away with their own opinions on the story and inspire a discussion.
If you want to carry on the tradition of exploring this classic tale, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” will be running at the Waterworks Players Theatre on February 12, 19, and 20 at 8 p.m., and February 13 at 2 p.m. For ticketing information go to waterworksplayers.org.
