New Olde Bank Theatre examines powerful, thought-provoking issues
The fictional account of the 17th-century witch hunts in England provide reflection for the real ones of today, in the New Olde Bank Theatre's staging of "Vinegar Tom."
Playwright Caryl Churchill's story of a mother and a daughter accused of witchcraft after an altercation with their neighbors, was inspired by the British women's rights movement of the 1970s.
It features original music, penned to the lyrics of the playwright, by actor Janet Pazzynski of Pittsburgh's Observatory Hill, lead singer of the band On Beyond Zebra. The music comments on the themes of the play while bridging the gap between the past and present.
"They are very thought-provoking lyrics," says Pazzynski, who finds herself in the role of "the voice of today looking into the 1700s and commenting through song. It's a very unique position to be in," she adds.
She believes the audience will be moved by the sincerity of the women and the tragedy of what takes place. "Women were hunted down, not because they were witches, but because they were strong-minded women," she says. "There is still witch-hunting occurring today. If you just glance at the headlines of current events, it is quite obvious. There are no burning pyres of the past, but the witch hunts happen in a more modern and sophisticated way."
Some things never change
The energy and emotion of this play "is just exhilarating," says Ben Tegethoff of Buffalo Township. He appreciates that it addresses contemporary issues of free will, defiance and feminine power through another time period.
"It's good to have these kinds of shows from time to time to remind ourselves of where we've come from and how far we have to go," he says. "I think the most important message is that bad things happen when we allow certain groups to become marginalized within society."
Tegethoff has the dual role of a man who, in the beginning of the story, seduces the protagonist (Alice); and of a witch hunter who essentially gets paid a bounty for every "witch" he hangs.
"We have some truly talented women in this cast who make a difficult play come alive," he adds.
Missy Dow of Blawnox is in awe of the talent on stage. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to act with them," she says. "The drama in this show is fabulous."
Her character is "Susan," a woman who succumbs to the will of the mob. "She gives in because she wants to do the 'right' thing, but doesn't realize that even though a voice is the loudest, it isn't always right," she says.
Laura Hoffmann of Verona, who is the assistant to the witch hunter, hopes the audience takes home this message: "Women have always had a lot of power in them, and, unfortunately, had to struggle for a very long time for that power to be shown freely."
She praises Churchill as a very strong writer.
New Olde Bank Theatre previously staged Churchill's "Far Away." "She is a modern playwright with a unique voice and perspective," director Todd Collar says.
Collar says the play's title comes from the name of a grotesque creature supposed to be the familiar spirit of one of the accused women.
Theater artistic director Sean O'Donnell is a member of the cast for this production and says his role as the physically and verbally abusive "Jack" "is, without a doubt, the most challenging I have ever played."
He considers it a privilege to act opposite actors he has directed. "I really feel like this is the 'A-list' of New Olde Bank Theatre actors," he says. "Todd as director does a great job bringing to light the themes of the play."
One of those themes, persecution, can be relatable to everyone, O'Donnell says. "I think we have all felt persecuted at one time or another, whether because of our gender, our sexuality, our religion or our race. I also think we have all bought into a 'mob mentality' at some point in our lives."
Additional Information:
New at the Olde Bank Theatre
What: 'Vinegar Tom'
When: Concludes with 8 p.m. performances Friday and Saturday
Where: The New Olde Bank Theatre, 722 Allegheny River Blvd., Verona.
Admission: $15; reservations required. Tickets can be purchased at www.newobt.com .
Details: 412-251-7904; info@newobt.com ; www.newobt.com
