Even though this performance will be an audio drama, it was originally conceived as a live, in-person production, including costume design by Claire Eyestone. We hope you enjoy these pictures of Eyestone’s original costume designs, and that they give you perspective as you listen to this performance of Suffrage.
Frances (left) played by Claire Eyestone, and Ruth (right) played by Juniper Taylor, share a husband, a family, and a sisterly bond.Frances’ beliefs that a woman’s first duty is to her home sometimes conflict with Ruth’s determination to win the vote.
Ruth can’t understand how Frances can be so passive in the fight for women’s suffrage.Despite their differences in opinion, the two friends find a moment to laugh.Claire Eyestone (Frances) wears the traditional dress of the 19th Century, while Juniper Taylor (Ruth) wears the outfit of a modern woman. Two groups of women, united in purpose throughout the decades.Frances and Ruth rely on each other and look to the future with hope.
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.
