The cast and crew of the Sinclair Theatre Department’s newest production “As it is in Heaven” truly went further to get into character. Translating a piece from one of American society’s most fervent early religious groups—the Shakers.
Sinclair’s Black Box Theatre presents “As it is in Heaven” February 12 through February 20. The play, originally written on stage in 2002, was written after Arlene Hutton visited the restored Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Just like Hutton, the production cast made their way to Pleasant Hills to better connect with their performance.
Unlike some Theatre Department productions, “As it is in Heaven” features a cast entirely comprised of Sinclair students. Whereas “The Wiz” featured a community cast, partnering with Dayton talent, “As it is in Heaven” is sure to be a unique experience full of student talent.
This isn’t the only thing that separates the production apart from the others this theatre season. The entirety of the play will be acapella. Although acapella performances may seem extra nerve-wracking, the cast has dedicated week after week of rehearsal time under Show Director and Sinclair Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance Kimberly Borst.
The cast is also exclusively female, numbering just seven actresses.
The cast and crew got an inside look of the “utopian” society during their trip.
The premise of the play is the society’s response to the arrival of Fanny, a woman who claims she can see angels. Fanny, a newcomer, pulls at the fabric of the Shaker society—one that is reliant on remaining the same.
Set in the 1830s, “As it is in Heaven” features a strong selection of songs and Shaker hymns, one of which the title is taken from, “The Saviour’s Universal Prayer (Our Father Who Art in Heaven).”
What will happen to a society that functions off routine as it conflicts with a Shaker newcomer caught in between her desire to be a true Shaker and to satisfy her curiosity in the supernatural? The compelling story and emotional character portrayal will keep you on your toes as the Shakers’ story unfolds.
The acting talent wasn’t the only part of the production to benefit from the trip to Kentucky. Set design directly from the restored Shaker village was incorporated into the stage.
Gina Fidder, Assistant Set Designer, made the benches. Modeled through the Shaker philosophy of simple and functional, the entire bench is composed of fewer than ten pieces. With wooden rods glued in place for a simple construction, the benches are fully functional and supportive without the use of screws.
“Shakers,” meaning believers, still exist in just two locations: Canterbury, New Hampshire and Sabbath Lake, Maine. Ohio was one of the states that contained a sizable Shaker community during the height of Shakerism in the mid 1800s.
Although Shakerism as a whole is founded on similar principles to traditional Christian beliefs, there are several interesting departures. One of which is an active force in the play, the supernatural belief of communicating with spirits and even having visions. After all, the Shakers got their name from being called the “shaking Quakers.”
Shakerism eventually declined due to the society’s emphasis on celibacy, resulting in no new Shakers from the population of the villages. Relying on outsiders signing the covenant, which includes relinquishing all property to the community upon signing, was not a popular decision for many.
However, because of this policy and other core ideals of Shakerism, the Shakers are remembered for their compassionate welcoming of anyone to their societies. Shakers often took in orphans and others persecuted or mistreated by society. Fanny is one such newcomer in the play, finding her place within society and the supernatural.
General admission will run $15, but by taking advantage of Throwback Thursday students can save $5 on tickets. The Sunday, February 14 showing as well as the Thursday, February 18 showing will be ASL interpreted.
Barton Kleen
Managing Editor