On Thursday, Nov. 2, AP English and Symposium students traveled to the Hartford Stage to witness a captivating performance of “Pride and Prejudice.” The play skillfully adapted Jane Austen’s classic novel and, most notably, traded out the typical white cast for a diverse one.
The play lasted two hours and 30 minutes, and during the intermission students had the chance to grab lunch. Along with students from the two courses, several English teachers and librarian Nancy Solomon went as chaperones, helping to provide a smooth and enjoyable field trip that gave students a mix of learning and fun.
Seeing a live performance of “Pride and Prejudice” brought the book to life. The timing for this show was perfect as students in AP English were in the middle of reading the novel while Symposium students had just finished Ibi Zoboi’s “Pride and Prejudice” remix, “Pride.” The play enhanced one’s understanding of the story as characters leaped off the pages and into vibrant existence on stage. “Seeing the characters and the plot unfold in the play added to my understanding of the book, as you could visualize the narrative,” junior Jenna Kanaan said.
Since the play was an adaptation, it did not completely follow the narrative Jane Austen wrote. The play’s writer, Kate Himmill, incorporated music and dancing between scenes to add a lively and dynamic element to the overall experience, enhancing the audience’s engagement with the story. She also used raunchy comedy to inject humor and modernity, creating a unique and memorable rendition of the classic tale. “I didn’t expect it to be so funny, and parts of it were so raunchy but hilarious,” Mrs. Solomon said. “I thought the acting was spectacular, and I loved the fact that it was multicultural, that it wasn’t just a cast of white people.”
This diverse cast was a highlight of the adaptation, as it brought a fresh and diverse perspective to the familiar characters. It showed a reimagination of the classic story, this time with a rich and inclusive portrayal of the characters and their experiences. Additionally, actors were tasked with playing multiple characters, adding another layer to the performance. For instance, actor Sergio Mauritz Ang played Mr. Bingley, Mr. Wickham, and Mr. Collins. “I didn’t notice that actors were playing multiple roles right away,” Mrs. Solomon said. “Their personas were completely different from the other roles they played. I thought that was great.”
At the end of the play, students had a Q&A talk-back session with the cast, allowing students to ask questions like “Was switching roles difficult?” and “What was the most challenging part of your performance?” This interactive session was another beneficial aspect of the field trip as it added to the overall insightful experience. “I really enjoyed this part because it was interesting getting to hear from the actors and their experience,” junior Clara Drag said.
In the aftermath of the play, students left with a newfound appreciation for the vibrant and inclusive adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.” The multicultural cast, dynamic performances, and the interactive Q&A session enriched everyone’s experience.
