Behind the scenes, ‘Good Person of Szechwan’
The University of Indianapolis Theatre Department is currently in the rehearsal process for “Good Person of Szechwan,” a play by Bertolt Brecht. The Asian-influenced play will include a “vibrant color pallet and masked actors” as the show’s tale of good and evil unfolds.
It will open Feb. 19 in Ransburg Auditorium and is directed by adjunct theatre professor Jen Alexander.
Costumer, hair and make-up designer, Stephanie Kucsera stands before the costumes that she designed for “The Good Person of Szechwan .” The play will run Feb. 19, 20, 21, 25, 26 and 27.
The show has a cast of 13 actors, but just as many UIndy students are working behind the scenes: designing, managing and directing as well. In fact, most of a show’s life takes place months before the play opens. All who are involved, whether on stage or off, help bring the show to life.
Costume, hair and make-up designer Stephanie Kucsera weighs in on her role in the process.
“This show is intended to make you think. It’s definitely not realism. I wanted the costuming to fit in with that principle and one day it just dawned on me,” Kucsera said.
She explained that in a show like this, the characters need to be really recognizable, so she designed the costumes to mimic what the characters do.
“The water seller will be in blue; the tobacco shop owners skirt represents tobacco leaves, and the barber’s costume is designed to look like hair,” Kucsera explained.
This show is intended to make you think. It’s definitely not realism.
A lot of time and effort has already been spent making these costumes into reality. Kucsera spends more than 40 hours a week in the costume shop with the help and support of a team of assistants.
“We don’t have that many ready-made costumes for this show. We are making most of it some scratch so it’s been a tedious process,” Kucsera said. “We have nearly 30 different costumes and 32 hand-painted masks.”
Kucsera is only one of the designers for “Good Person of Szechwan,” but many others are working behind the scenes. Some major contributors include: Michael Moffat (set design), senior Drew Pastorek (sound design), senior Amanda Schwab (lighting design), senior Joey Hansell (props design) and senior Chelsea Anderson (student director).
Also, senior stage manager Ann Beckette contributes immensely to the process.
“I make sure the actors are in the right place at the right time saying and holding the right things. I’m usually the first one to rehearsal and the last one to leave,” Beckette said.
As stage manager, Beckette described herself as a bridge between the actors and the designers and with the ability to set the tempo of the show.
“It’s my job to know everyone’s lines and blocking and to make sure the show is coming together,” Beckette said.
Kucsera and Beckette agree that working behind the scenes is just as rewarding as being on stage.
“It’s a very different experience but just as enjoyable,” Kucsera said.
Beckette added: “It’s a collaborative process. Putting on a show is all about teamwork, and no one’s role is less important than the next.”
Tickets for Good Person of Szechwan are free with a UIndy student ID and it runs Feb. 19 through 21 and 25 through 27, with a preview on Feb. 18.
