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MU theatre students prepare to perform original play

Graduate student Milbre Burch wrote 'Holding Up the Sky.'

By Angela Case

Published Nov. 13, 2009

Throughout "Holding Up the Sky," the MU theatre department's production, one line is repeated several times: "There are many stories of how it all began."

Fittingly, the play itself began with many stories.

"Holding Up The Sky" was written by MU graduate student Milbre Burch, who worked in close collaboration with the play's director, theatre department chairman Clyde Ruffin.

Burch said the initial inspiration for the play grew out of a workshop, then a concert, then a Grammy-nominated live spoken word album recorded by Burch, all of which were released in response to the events of Sept. 11. Burch said the influence of Sept. 11 would not be evident to audiences seeing the play.

"It's very much a gathering of stories of peace, justice and reconciliation, and of the devastation of war, particularly on women and children," she said.

The play began as an adaptation of several different folktales. Eight remain embedded in the script.

"It remains deeply grounded in oral tradition stories from China, the Ndebele people of Zimbabwe, the Aztec, Pima and Inuit peoples of the Americas, the Bedouins of Saudi Arabia and the Aborigines of Australia," Burch said in the playwright's notes.

The play's mysterious, echoing soundscape was composed especially for "Holding Up the Sky" by Tori Meyer. Burch said she did not interact with Meyer or the show's choreographer, Stephens College dance department chairwoman Carol Estey, during the writing process.

"I met with the composer only to express my delight in hearing the music," she said.

For many of the show's actors, including Alejandro Soto, who plays the Blind Man, the originality of "Holding Up The Sky" adds to its appeal.

"I love it because it's so original," he said. "The special effects, the lighting, the music, everything about it is original."

Ensemble member Sirius Hu said he liked the awesome production values and the uniqueness of the play. "I like the way it tells the story," he said. "It's not like other plays tell stories."

The play's unique style has posed some challenges to the cast and director. Ruffin said his biggest challenge was bringing the world of the play into being.

"It's kind of a challenge to create an imagined world and make sure that all of the language and the words that people use and everything make sense in this world," he said.

Ensemble member junior Tim Franklin said unlike other shows he has done, the mythical nature of this play required him to actually create a character.

"It's not a set role with a set behavior," he said. "It's a lot harder because not only do I have to become that character, but I have to create the character that I'm becoming."

For senior Chris Blackerby, who plays one of the principal roles, the Young Man, finding his character was the least of his challenges.

"The character came pretty easy," he said. "The rollercoaster of messages that I have throughout the play are all pretty relatable, whether it be trying to deceive someone or realizing that being a ridiculous self-centered person isn't OK."

Instead, the play posed physical challenges for Blackerby, whose character participates in several dances throughout the play.

"The hardest part is trying to find my character while I'm completely out of breath at all times," he said.

Franklin predicted audiences will be as stirred by the play as he was after the first rehearsal.

"I definitely think it's going to be something they've never seen before," he said. "The first time we fully rehearsed this play, I was blown away when everything came together. And I'm very sure that the audience is going to be blown away as well."

Judges from the American College Theatre Festival will attend Sunday's matinee performance. Each year, the university submits one production for consideration to the festival. Ruffin said shows from MU have been regional finalists several times since he arrived at MU 27 years ago, and two of those shows were national finalists.