The Gracie Theatre Soars With “Flight”
Published on: September 25, 2013
The Gracie Theatre at Husson University, Bangor’s premier center for the performing arts, welcomes the touring company of Pacific Performance Project/East and the performance of the company’s new play, Flight on September 27 at 7:00p.m. The play, written by Robyn Hunt, is conceived and directed by Steve Pearson.
Flight explores the thrill and daring of the first women aviators. Using aerial techniques, music and drama, the company brings to life the story of two young fliers. The story is inspired by Harriet Quimby, Bessie Coleman and some of the other pioneering aviators who courageously took to the skies during the early 20th century.
A major set piece featured during the performance is a replica of an aircraft flown by early aviation pioneers that the cast assembles and flies during the course of the play.
”What makes this play truly unique is that the plane and actors actually take flight. The female actors, through the use of pulleys, courage and a good fly-system, join the plane as it takes off,” explained Jeri Misler, managing director of the Gracie Theatre. “This aspect of the production makes it appealing on many levels. In addition to the thrill of the performance, students working backstage on the production get to see firsthand how a professional company employs Playwright Robyn Hunt, who is also a cast member, trained with Japanese director Tadashi Suzuki. His influences can be seen in her work with the P3/East acting company. In describing the performance, Hunt explained, “We employ a synthesis of the core of Suzuki training, modern dance, circus techniques, as well as a fresh response to Stanislavski’s ideas.”
The play also remembers early female pioneers in cinema, most notably Alice Guy-Blache.
Guy-Blache is credited with being the world’s first woman filmmaker. “With a story that has seemingly dropped out of history, Flight demonstrates some of the exciting inventions and innovations made by women before World War I,” added Hunt.
Following the performance, the writer, designer and actors will discuss the play with the audience. Tickets for the performance of Flight are $20.00 adults/$10.00 children, on sale at www.gracietheatre.com or 941-7888.
Completed in October of 2009, The Gracie is Husson University's center for the fine and performing arts. This beautiful new 500-seat theatre is quickly earning a reputation as one of Maine’s premier performance venues. In addition, The Gracie also serves as a learning platform for students from the New England School of Communications in digital audio, sound
mixing, set design and construction, lighting, acting and electronics. For more information, visit GracieTheatre.com
For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. Our Bangor campus and off-campus satellite education centers in South Portland, Wells and Presque Isle provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies, science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program.