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Welcome to the 4th WALL

by Janine Sobeck, BYU Dramaturgy Specialist As a dramaturg, one of the best parts of the the job is when you get to open up the world of the production to the audience.  Whether its historical context, insider information from the rehearsal room, or conversations with the creative team (and so much more), we love to give you everything you need to have a fully enriched - and extremely enjoyable - evening at the theatre. Here at Brigham Young University, the dramaturgs are exploring all the possible ways to do this very thing.  While you may have already seen us in the program study guides or moderating post show discussions, we are now happy take it one step forward by introducing "The 4th Wall: the TMA dramaturgY project." Here on the 4th Wall you will see posts from dramaturgs, playwrights, production team members and more.  The goal is simple: to provide new insights, perspectives and information about the theatre productions on the BYU stage.  Whether you are interested in one particular show or want to learn about the whole season, we invite you to follow along as we take you inside the world of each and every production. So to all our audience members (and any other interested parties), we say, "Welcome to the 4th Wall."  It's going to be a grand journey.

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Meet the Cast - Rachelle Elbert & Jack Shapiro

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By Kristen Leinbach, Dramaturg As we continue to move through the rehearsal process, it still amazes how much we are learning from this show. Rachelle Elbert and Jack Shapiro, members of the ensemble, shared the following about their experiences with the show... "The Light in the Piazza has been an escape for me (Rachelle Elbert). Being surrounded by beautiful music, passionate characters and actors, and the vivacity of the Italian culture has provided an insight into a whole new world that soothes the heart and soul. I have had the chance to experience both the bold Italian life and the sweet southern innocence as an ensemble member and Clara's understudy. As I've discovered who Clara is, her light and purity has slowly peeled away the layers and walls that I've built up throughout my own life. I feel a new light in my life, a new found appreciation for the unknown, and find beauty and sympathy in the strangest of places. I have become more comfortable with vulnerability and free expression and it's literally the greatest feeling in the world. Being apart of the beautiful production Light in the Piazza has been emotionally and spiritually fulfilling, and has opened my eyes to a realm of theater I never knew before." [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"] Piazza Rehearsal - Right to Left
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Carpe Diem With the Bright Young Things

July 26, 2022 12:00 AM
By Amelia Johnson, assistant dramaturg World War I had drastic consequences. Many had lost family members and friends in battle. Those who fought in the battle and survived were affected emotionally if not physically. As a result of of fighting in the war 250,000 soldiers suffered a full or partial amputation. The generation who had just missed the age of being drafted felt extremely lucky. Seeing so many die from the war and Spanish influenza in such a small time period made everyone very aware that life is short. This impacted the younger generation. They felt the need to live life to the fullest for themselves and for those who no longer had the chance to. [caption id="attachment_5293" align="alignnone" width="300"] An extravagant party thrown with the spirit of the Bright Young Things.[/caption] With this sentiment, the Bright Young Things or the Bright Young People became an active group in society. Wealthy young aristocrats and socialites, the Bright Young Things rebelled against the values that they and their parents had been brought up with so that they could enjoy living. Their parent’s values had done nothing to protect them from the terror that the war had brought, so what was the purpose in playing by the rules? Life was mean to be enjoyed. [caption id="attachment_5291" align="alignnone" width="243"] A waiter experiences shock as a young woman publicly smokes a cigarette.[/caption] The Bright Young Things threw elaborate parties and participated in car races and treasure hunts. They also drank, smoke, and used drugs. Concerned only with what was fun, they gave no thought to what was proper. Their behavior caught the attention of journalists who were very interested in reporting their wild antics to the public. It is with the Bright Young Things that paparazzi originated, as reporters would follow individuals from this group of young people to get a good stories. Because of how much these individuals appeared in the press, many of the names of the Bright Young Things are still known to this day. [caption id="attachment_5289" align="alignnone" width="217"] Nancy Mitford. One of the known Bright Young Things who later became a novelist.[/caption] As you watch Chariots of Fire, pay attention to behaviors that may be associated with the Bright Young Things. In comparison, Harold and Eric were a little different then the young people at this time. Both found their fun in running and focused their efforts on this. Eric also found joy through the religious work he did. These men seized the day in their own way.
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