Story and Photos by Erin Corneliussen
Many students went to see the School of Theater’s winter production The Misanthrope by Moliere during the past two weekends, but few may realize how much work goes into putting on a production.
While David Haugen, an assistant professor in the School of Theater directed the play, Ohio University students created everything else – the set, costumes, sound, lighting, choreography and acting.
Running up to the performance, actors spend about 25 hours per week in rehearsals. The cast and crew had six weeks to prepare for their final performance.
Haugen originally planned on setting the play in 1789 — right before the French Revolution. After multiple meetings with designers, however, it took on more of a universal timeline that combines 18th century-inspired dress, a kindle, a 1940s sweeper, an old scroll and microphones. This combination of new and old influences illustrate that “the ideas of the play are […] just as relevant today as they were back then,” Haugen said. “It’s funny 350 years ago. We want to make sure it’s still funny today,” Haugen said. The trick is relating that humor to today’s audience.
