INTERVIEW: Maritime epic ‘pen/man/ship’ touches upon themes of faith and freedom
Photo: Postell Pringle stars in the virtual production of pen/man/ship. Photo courtesy of Molière in the Park / Provided by DARR Publicity with permission.
Molière in the Park has taken their theatrical output online, and their latest virtual offering is a stream of Christina Anderson’s play pen/man/ship, which is a maritime saga that touches upon the themes of violence, betrayal, faith and freedom.
The year is 1896, right around the time the controversial Separate But Equal Doctrine has been upheld in the United States Supreme Court, according to press notes. A Black American surveyor heads out on a maritime mission to Liberia, and with his son by his side, the voyage proves to be both eventful and soul-searching.
What makes pen/man/ship stand out amongst other streaming theatrical offerings is the use of Liminal Entertainment Technologies’ StreamWeaver software. Audience members are able to experience lighting and sound effects as if they were sitting in the theater itself. There are High Definition video and audio feeds, which make for a truly unique experience, all from the comforts of home.
Anderson, known for her work on TV’s Tommy and with the Public Theater and Goodman Theatre, recently exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox about her new play, which is directed by Lucie Tiberghien. The streaming option is available through Jan. 4 via YouTube. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How much historical research went into creating pen/man/ship?
I do a great deal of research for each play I write, and pen/man/ship was no exception. I studied the history of Black American seamen during the 19th century, read Eugene O’Neill’s The Glencairn Plays, re-read Moby Dick, studied the Colonization Movement in the early 1800s, watched movies set on ships and boats, listened to sea shanties, attempted (and mostly failed) to learn the accordion.
How long have you been working on the piece?
I worked on the play off and on from 2010 – 2016.
How do you think the piece addresses the themes of violence, betrayal, faith and freedom?
Without going too deeply into the play’s plot, how each character decides (and refuses) to engage with others on the ship falls within the scope of these themes. A journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 1896 was a harrowing experience and add to that the complicated family dynamics between Charles and his son Jacob, the bold courage and stubbornness of Ruby, the aspirational idealism of Cecil, false (and sometimes accurate) assumptions can spawn violence and betrayal. The spiritual and emotional impact of the ocean’s current can conjure one’s faith, and America has been wrestling with freedom since its inception.
Is it difficult to envision a drama playing out on a ship? Did you ever worry whether it could be pulled off theatrically?
It wasn’t difficult to envision the drama. I knew pretty early on which of the characters were going to clash and why, so that helped to flesh out the dramatic arc. And I attempted to use the confines of the ship, being in the middle of the ocean to exacerbate the clashes. Water, in so many ways, is theatrical. Humans have an elemental connection to it, and I attempt to capture that connection in the play’s stage directions which are often beautifully realized by the director and the designers. So, I was never worried if the play could work theatrically.
Also, it really helps when you have powerhouse actors perform the roles! And we have a really great cast for this virtual production.
Are you excited that the play will be presented virtually, or bummed that a live audience cannot be in the theater with you?
Both. It has been a joy to watch this come together. I’m excited to share this piece with such a broad internet audience, but I do miss sharing physical space with the creative team and audiences.
What has it been like working with director Lucie Tiberghien?
Lucie is great. She’s such a smart and observant visual storyteller. She always makes space for the play to go deep and reach far while keeping the energy driving. pen/man/ship is an intimate play with large themes and Lucie directs that balance wonderfully.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
pen/man/ship, written by Christina Anderson and presented by Molière in the Park, is available to stream via YouTube through Jan. 4. Click here for more information.
