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"To
find the light within -- that is poetry"
Those
words written by Emily Dickinson might also describe the art of
acting. In "The Belle of Amherst", an independent
production at Portland Civic Theater, it is actress Mary Wadkins'
ability to find the humor and optimism within the essentially sad
character of Emily Dickinson that makes the show as success.
Written
by Portland native William Luce, "The Belle of Amherst"
recounts Dickinson's life, primarily through her poems and
letters. The format -- a woman alone on stage -- is poignantly
appropriate for this story. Dickinson has 20th century ideas, but was
trapped in a 19th century New England. Laughed at as an eccentric,
she became a recluse, stubbornly choosing to build her own world inside
her father's house rather than live in a society that would not accept
her as she was.
"Words
are my life" she declares. "I look at words as if they
were entities." Wadkins caresses each of Dickinson's words,
bringing them to life with loving care. The poetry is smoothly
integrated into the dialogue, and Wadkins shifts between the two with
effortless ease.
To
portray the poet's vivid internal life, the play "wanders back and
forth in time", as Dickinson reminisces about her past. By
changing only her facial expression, Wadkins shows Dickinson's
transformation from a beaming young girl, to an sad but still defiant
woman approaching death. When playing the youth, the light within
Wadkins shines out open and bright. But as Emily ages, Wadkins
gradually turns inward, and the light dims.
Like
the playwright Luce, Wadkins grew up in Portland.
"Belle" is her first performance here since leaving to pursue
her career in New York. In a characterization full of depth and
subtle nuances, this is a quietly triumphant return. |
