Become immersed in 19th Century Russia with the final play in this year’s season
For the final show of their season, Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) theater department is set to stage Anton Chekhov’s timeless play “Three Sisters” on April 18-27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 21 at 2:00 p.m. The production promises a deep dive into the complexities of love and longing, offering audiences an opportunity to witness a classic of dramatic literature.
“Three Sisters” is directed by assistant professor of theatre Margaret Knapp, who came to CMU from Chicago just this past semester.
“The play examines an ‘unfelt life’ where the dream of what your life could be is much more engaging than the life that you actually have. I think many actors suffer from this as we always think the next project, or next show will get us the recognition or happiness that we want,” Knapp said.
Differing from shows in the past, “Three Sisters” has taken the standard evening rehearsal process and included dedicated class periods on top of the four hour evening sessions that occur in the six weeks prior to a show’s opening. This class has been running since the beginning of the spring term.
Senior musical theater student Isa Sanchez plays one of the three titular sisters and shared insights into the unique challenges and rewards of bringing “Three Sisters” to life.
Sanchez noted that the rehearsal process has been both new and challenging. She emphasized the informative nature of the experience, highlighting how it allowed her to delve beyond the surface of the script and explore a deeper method of character portrayal.
“This show is a glimpse into the lives of the Prozorov family, spanning over a few years, as they experience and navigate the difficulties of love, loss and identity during the late 1800s in Russia,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez extended an invitation to students, encouraging them to attend the performance. She stated that the dedication and passion poured into the production means that audiences of all kinds can find resonance within the characters’ lives.
Freshman Emma Gregory is a design and tech and acting and directing double major and she shared her perspective on the rehearsal process and the themes within the play. Gregory described her excitement and the challenges she faced as she transitioned from a tech role to acting, highlighting the innovative approach taken during rehearsals.
“We have been using active analysis, the process of reading through scenes then getting up and doing them on our feet without scripts, then returning to our scripts after. This process has been incredibly helpful in learning the inner workings of our characters. It has been a blast working with our director, Margaret Knapp, and the other cast members,” Gregory explained.
Gregory went on to describe the show’s themes of stagnancy, dreams and the pursuit of love. She encouraged fellow students to attend, saying the relatable nature of the characters and the emotional depth of the story will allow every individual to find a lesson to walk away with.
“This show is about real people, like you and me, trying to achieve their dreams,” Gregory said.
Sanchez and Gregory reflected on some of the memorable moments during the rehearsal process, from exploring character nuances to bonding with castmates. Their enthusiasm for the production and its impact on their theatrical journey is palpable.
“What has been most fun is learning more about this character and, more importantly, connecting with my cast mates more. It has been a blast getting to know and getting close to everyone in this cast, and I am incredibly thankful that I have been able to share this experience with all of them,” Gregory said.
Staged in the Mesa Experimental Theatre, “Three Sisters” will be a fun show in an intimate space that will allow audiences to feel like they’re sitting in and watching the lives of these characters unfold before their eyes.
Don’t forget to mark this show on your calendars and be sure to attend. Tickets are free for students and staff at CMU. “Three Sisters” opens on April 18 at 7:30 PM and closes on April 27. There is a matinee showing on April 21 at 2:00 PM.
