Even though Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen was first published in 1811, a coming play adaptation at the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) has students still connecting with heart to the story says director and CCPA faculty member Barbara Poggemiller.
CCPA brings to life Canadian playwright Michelle Denies' adaptation of Jane Austen's novel from Dec. 12 to 15.
"The themes of love desired and love lost are just as potent today as in Jane Austen’s world," Poggemiller said. "The sense of wanting a safe place to live and work, play and dance, feel a part of things, feel loved and connected are universal and exist as much today as they did then."
It's a coming-of-age story about the teenage Dashwood sisters as they stumble through the complexities of love and societal expectations following the death of their father, which upends their lives.
Austen wrote the novel as a satire, exploring themes of expectation, wealth and appearances with a balance of emotional depth and humour.
"Comedy creates a sense of release for the audience and the actors and that expression helps us to go deeper into the serious places. The challenge is to find each moment true to the character's story whether comic or serious," Poggemiller said.
The Year II play, which features second-year CCPA students, is produced annually at the end of the first term, serving as a key point in the students’ training. They are given the opportunity to integrate and apply much of their training to a full production, from acting style and technique to movement, song, voice, and accent.
While the play will be presented as true to the period, Poggemiller said that hasn't stopped Austen's commentary on society, gender and class from resonating with college audiences today.
"I do find the students very connected with the story and characters. They are able to bring their imaginations, creativity, depth of feeling and intelligence to bring new life to these characters, to this story," she said.
Tickets can be purchased at ccpacanada.com/tickets.
