Editor’s Note: Julia Donlon, the writer of the article, is a crew member of the “Well” production.
Photo by Julia Donlon
Pepperdine’s Theatre Department brings Lisa Kron’s play “Well” to life in the Lindhurst Theatre, opening Tuesday, Jan. 22 and running until Jan. 26.
Bradley Griffin, the divisional dean of Fine Arts, is directing “Well,” which combines the genres of solo performance and experimental theatre with the timeless story of mothers and daughters. Senior Isabel Klein, last seen on Pepperdine’s stage in “Medea,” plays the lead Lisa Kron, a woman who takes the audience through a theatrical exploration based on her life of universal issues that touches on topics including illness and wellness.
“I truly think that when people see this show, they will be able to see themselves in it,” Klein said. “This play reflects a very truthful mother-daughter relationship. All paternal relationships are complicated — that is just a fact. Those relationships are filled with fighting, growing, joy, pain and love. I think this play displays each part of this complicated relationship. There is also something very healing in knowing that you are not alone.”
Klein was able to talk to the playwright, Lisa Kron, who signed a copy of “Well” for Klein, writing “Good luck playing me!” and gave her advice on playing this role.
“I have continually gone back to those tips, and they have grounded me throughout the process,” Klein said.
Professor of Theatre Cathy Thomas Grant stars beside Klein, portraying her mother Ann Kron.
Pepperdine’s “Well” is an almost fully student-designed show with a talented ensemble including seniors Christine Galyean and Dylan Forehand and sophomores George Preston and Leyla Dillig.
“Many of our shows are primarily faculty designed, but I find that there is an added charm in having an almost entirely student designed show and I’m really excited for people to come see what we have created,” Junior Costume Designer Bailey Soudelier shares. “There are a lot of challenges and obstacles involved with being a student designer, but that also just goes to show how talented the design majors we have are, and how dedicated we are to making a cohesive work that tells an important story.”
Tickets are $10 for students and $15 at regular price and can be purchased at the Smothers Theatre Box Office or by visiting arts.pepperdine.edu. Join the actors and director for a talkback after the Wednesday night performance.
For more information on upcoming theatre performances, follow their Social Media at @pepptheatre or visit arts.pepperdine.edu.
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