We do not want to put pictures in your head, so here is Richard
Burton reading from Under Milk Wood.
Gently going...following the dreams and lives of people who live in a small Welsh town over the course of a day
Upstage Contributor Gaspare Borsellino spoke with Director Jacqueline van de Geer about Dramatis Personae production of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas.
UPSTAGE
Funny that we’re going to be speaking about Under Milk Wood. Many years ago, I played in Under Milk Wood. This play makes me think of Our Town.
VAN DE GEER
Yes they are similar. Under Milk Wood is also about a community. In this case, a community in a fishing village in Wales. It isn’t a strong story line; more of a
collage piece following the dreams and lives of people who live in a small Welsh town over the course of a day.
It begins at night - showing the dreams of the village people - in the daytime we see the difference between their dreams and reality.
...a voice talking about Captain Cat refers to his life sardined with women...
UPSTAGE
Written by Dylan Thomas so it’s very poetic.
VAN DE GEER
The language is beautiful. For instance – a voice talking about Captain Cat refers to his life sardined with women. When Captain Cat talks to his former lover who visits his dreams, he says - let me shipwreck between your thighs.
UPSTAGE
How are the actors reacting to this play?
VAN DE GEER
They were a bit scared at the beginning because of so many characters and the language but they got into it and they love it now.
UPSTAGE
How many actors in this production?
Despite fantasies of poisoning each other, they stay polite and well behaved.
VAN DE GEER
Twelve. Every actor plays at least four or five roles. I had to cut here and there because it was originally written as a radio play in 1953. Later, it was adapted into a play. In 1972 there was a film version with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.The poetic nature means we can cut things out without destroying the feel of the play.
UPSTAGE
Could you talk a little bit about the themes of play.
VAN DE GEER
Among the themes include community life. For instance Captain Cat who is blind but is kind of the mayor of the village – even though he cannot see he senses when the postman, Willy Nilly, knocks on the door, which door it is, which letter he has and what’s in the letter. He’s a central figure in the play and lives a lot in his memories. He’s there to link the present and the past
Among the characters is the Reverend of the village. A couple who are rich, have status in the community but they tear each other apart in words and behaviour. Despite fantasies of poisoning each other, they stay polite and well behaved.
UPSTAGE
I guess in his own time Dylan Thomas was a rebel; criticizing the system. Why did you choose this play?
...they get together in their homes to practice and discuss....
VAN DE GEER
One of the reasons is practical. We have a group of 12 people. We usually present short pieces by Canadian writers in December, but once a year we want to put on a play. Therefore have to be on the lookout for a play that allows everyone to participate. I was weighing between Our Town and Under Milk Wood, but the very special language of Under Milk Wood made the decision.
UPSTAGE
Tell me a little bit about Dramatis Personae.
VAN DE GEER
We are a community theatre group composed of people ranging in age from 30 to 70. What they share is a love of acting and commitment to each production. Since we can only meet in the venue for two hours once a week, which isn’t nearly enough time to direct a play, they get together in their homes to practice and discuss. That’s how committed they are to the group and the production.
May 6 – 14
Victorial Hall
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