Chariots of Fire - American Premiere

By Shelley Graham, dramaturg

June 24, 1924. The headline of the Los Angeles Times reads: "Did You Know That Famous Scotch Sprinter Will Not Run in the Olympic 100 Metres Because The Trials Are Run on Sunday."

The famous sprinter mentioned in the headline was none other than Eric Liddell, otherwise known as “The Flying Scotsman,” and his decision not to run in the Olympic trials for his strongest event in order to honor the Sabbath was a decision that was noticed around the world. The story of his commitment to spirituality, and his spirit of competition, is told in the 1981 film, Chariots of Fire. That film was adapted for the stage in 2012, and now makes its American premiere on the Pardoe Stage at Brigham Young University.

Eric Liddell's story was told in newspapers across the world

In our 4th Wall Dramaturgy blog for this production, over the next few weeks you will learn how tricky it is to tell the story of Olympic runners on a stage that isn’t quite big enough to hold actual 100 m. races; how rewarding it is to explore the tales of faith and determination in running and religion; and how delightful it is to share those stories with the BYU community. We hope you’ll come back often in the days and weeks leading up to the opening of this American premiere, and that you’ll enjoy learning about the process of creating this athletic, theatrical spectacle.

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by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg After the show wrapped up and people went their separate ways, Garret Rushforth, who played Wilbur, and I chatted and I asked him some questions about his experience with the play. What better way to gain insight about the show than from the actor who was in the thick of things from the very beginning? Here is what Garret had to say about this unique opportunity: Me: How was this experience of playing Wilbur? What was your Favorite aspect of it all? Garret: I loved playing Wilbur. My favorite aspect was discovering the character more and more each performance. I never really felt that I had learned all that the character had to offer. Me: What were some challenges that you faced while preparing for the show? Garret: A few of the challenges that I faced had to do primarily with transportation. My car tried to die a couple of times during the run. As far as developing the show goes, I found that the difficulties were mostly in finding the lines. Not simply reciting them, but discovering what was beneath them, motivating them and making them come to life. Me: What lessons have you learned from playing this part, or just from the play in general? Garret: I've learned that there is an amazing opportunity to find out about yourself from the character discovery process. I also learned how much a family the cast can become if given the opportunity. Me: What is your favorite part of this story? Garret: I love when Wilbur and Charlotte talk about Charlotte's death and Wilbur is so devastated. It showed how deep Wilbur's reliance on Charlotte was as well as his desire to help her too. Me: As you leave this production, what will stay with you? Garret: The friendships I've made and the things that I've learned about myself because of the show. Me: What aspects of your character did you love/latch onto from the beginning? Garret: I latched onto the loneliness aspect of Wilbur's life. For all his life, he'd not been given much of a chance, Fern and Charlotte being the exceptions. He was written off by nearly everyone until Charlotte pointed out how special he is. Me: Any final thoughts you would like to share with those who came to the show? Garret: Charlotte's a web was a show that offered a unique view of friendship and family. It doesn't matter what someone looks like or where they're from, friendship and family can transcend all differences.

Chariots of Fire - American Premiere

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