'Spring Awakening' production of sexual awakening
By Julie Feinerman, Staff Writer
February 20, 2008 | noon
Ohio University School of Theater prepares for the Wednesday debut of "Spring Awakening," a scandalous coming-of-age story about teenagers' sexual frustrations, which consume their curious minds.
Based on the infamous play by Frank Wedekind, “Spring Awakening” claimed to be so controversial it was banned from the stage for more than 100 years. Now, with its remarkable success on Broadway (it won an astounding eight Tony awards), Director Heather Keith brings “Spring Awakening” to the stage at the Forum Theater.
This is Keith’s fourth production at OU. She has also directed 10 plays outside of Athens. In Keith’s rendition of “Spring Awakening,” she adds a few modern elements, bringing a psychedelic sound, fresh outlook and a sense of camaraderie.
"I wanted to establish an organic feel and also use juxtaposition by adding Pink Floyd music," Keith said. "I feel it helps people relate to the kids and brings life to the scene."
The story takes place in Germany during the year 1891, when adults leave sexually-frustrated teenagers with unanswered questions. The opening scene directly establishes an “us versus them” atmosphere. The teenage boys come onto stage marching like soldiers in perfect unison while their teachers follow behind. After school lets out, the boys playfully frolic in the forest, discussing the pressures of school and adulthood.
Moritz (Matt Cleaver) is a very shy and timid character who seems to be the most frustrated of the group. Confused as to what is happening to his body and mind, he turns to his best friend Melchior (Tyler Rollinson) for answers. Melchior is the complete opposite of Mortiz. His character is confident and rebellious, and, unlike the other boys, Melchior embraces what Mortiz dreadfully calls the “masculine itch.”
The girls, like the boys, are concerned with school, but, more importantly, their hormones. Wendla (Anwen Darcy) exudes characteristics similar to Melchior’s. She is a bright burst of energy with only one question on her mind: “Where do babies come from?”
Her mother tries to convince her of the stork theory. When Wendla pleads with her mother for the truth, pain-stricken, her mother tells her that only true love, a love that no 14-year-old could possibly have, could make a baby.
Wendla, satisfied with her mother's explanation, accidentally bumps into Melchior in the forest. Passions erupt, emotions run high and the birds and the bees begin.
As Wendla and Melchior are dealing with the act that happened between them, Moritz is headed toward a downward spiral. Upset about school and his traumatic experiences with puberty, he tries to reach out to his one adult friend, Melchior’s mother, but she offers him no comfort.
“This story is about the transition of teenagers from childhood to adulthood in a society that offers them no support,” Keith said. “Communities should offer a support net during this important time in a teenager’s life. Sexuality is repressed, and people may think it is different now, but it is still a blatant problem.”
“Spring Awakening” will attract any person who has gone though the realities of puberty. Audiences will find humor as well as heartbreak by following these innocent characters through this curious time in their lives. Performances will run at 8 p.m. Feb. 20-23 and Feb. 27 - March 1 in the Forum Theater in the RTV building.
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Tickets are free for all students with OU ID through Arts for Ohio. Tickets can be obtained directly before performances, or by contacting the box office in Kantner Hall at 740-593-4800, 12 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.