Great historical tragedy on stage at U of L
‘THE DUCHESS OF MALFI’ TO RUN MARCH 21-25 AT U OF L THEATRE
The University of Lethbridge drama department is inviting the public to experience one of the great historical tragedies with their production of “The Duchess of Malfi” by John Webster.
The play, written in 1612, follows the life and death of a woman who falls prey to the vengeful attacks of her brothers after her husband dies and she remarries below her standing and against their wishes.
It is loosely based on events that occurred in the early 1500s and is considered a classic piece of dramatic literature.
Director Ron Chambers said one challenge the production offers students is the language used. Webster was a contemporary of Shakespeare, meaning there is a lot of dense language for the actors to work through. Chambers said he has tried to update the language where possible while still keeping the original intent and spirit of the production.
He said the play also presents very dark subject matter and torturous scenes for the actors.
“There is a tremendous amount of emotional suffering,” he said. “So getting a handle on the emotional truth of this and being able to do so convincingly is a real challenge.”
A number of people are killed during the production, and in order for those scenes to be convincing, the actors have to work to be authentic with their emotions.
The way to do this, according to Chambers, is to have the actors grow their feelings out of scenes organically instead of forcing emotional responses onto the audience.
“I think emotion is a byproduct of action,” he said. “The last thing I want to do is see someone faking it when it’s obviously not true.”
He added if actors remain emotionally available, they will not need to force their emotions.
The Duchess of Malfi is an important part of the history of dramatic literature, and students often have a chance to read about the production but rarely have an opportunity to experience it.
Chambers said the significance and the fact it is challenging for the students were two main reasons he selected it for production.
“I think it will be challenging for me, and challenging for them,” he said. “Plus, it provides a great experience.”
Madeline Smith, a second-year performance major who plays the Duchess, said her character is an example of a very strong female protagonist who makes her own decisions in a time when women were not generally permitted to do so.
“I think it sends a really strong message about female autonomy,” she said. “It’s been a really great experience.”
She feels it is important to convey that image of a strong woman to the audience.
“She makes a lot of her own choices and doesn’t really take crap from anybody,” Smith said. “And throughout the entire play, even when she is being psychologically tortured and her life is made miserable by her brothers, she still maintains a dignity about her.
“I think it is a very important thing to demonstrate this powerful female character.”
Smith said the second act was particularly challenging for her to get in the proper place emotionally in order to perform.
The fear and stress the Duchess is exposed to has forced her to grow as an actor.
“A lot of it comes from breathing and trying to clear my head before I go on stage,” she said. “I’m trying to get into a blank canvas-type headspace, so when I do come out on stage that I’m not carrying anything from my personal life with me.”
“The Duchess of Malfi” runs nightly from March 21-25 at the University Theatre. For tickets, contact the Box Office at 403-329-2616 or