Articles

The world of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit is a rather far cry from the world that we are familiar with today. As such, a dedicated portion of our dramaturgical work for this production focused on helping the creative team become more comfortable and familiar with this brief look into the 1930s.

If you will see, or have seen, the BYU Theatre production of Blithe Spirit this June, you may notice that there are two names in the cast list who are not given a character role, but simply the role of “Swing.” Just what is a swing, and why are they important for a production? As dramaturg, I interviewed our two swing actors to get their perspectives - and definitions - of this important role.

An interview with the creative team by dramaturg Aislin Dyer

Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz has sometimes been called "The Phoenix of America," as she is by far the most accomplished and globally read author to come out of the early Spanish-colonized Americas. Writing from New Spain (present day Mexico) , Sor Juana composed brilliant and biting poetry, wrote fiery letters in defense of her own creative spirit and the education of women, as well as dramas like the perfectly formed Spanish Golden Age style piece, House of Desires.