Rehearsal shot of Kiss of the Spider Woman with Zara Jestadt (unmasked) (Photo credit, Eric Chad)
by Estelle Rosen
Renée Hodgins has been a member of the Arts Undergraduate Theatre Society (AUTS) for approximately three years. Asked about the origins of AUTS, she replied. “…at the time there weren’t a lot of opportunities for anglophone musical theatre in Montreal, particularly at McGill. We do have Savoy Society focusing on Gilbert & Sullivan but not many opportunities for contemporary musicals. I love musicals. But what I’m really drawn to are musicals that have something to say. I respect Guys & Dolls but that doesn’t have the kind of message that engages me. I like presenting theatre with rich material.”
When asked if she thinks Kiss of the Spider Woman falls into that category, she replied. “Yes. The historical aspect, its timeless universal issues as social justice, relationships, torture, executions are issue sadly relevant today.Theme of story is conflict between personal emotions, relationships and desires versus political idealism and activism.”
