Inside I and You

We enter I and You through the world of Caroline, a girl of 17. She's described by the playwright as, “cynical, over it, does not let a stray ‘feeling’ near the surface.”  At the top of the play, Caroline is rocking out in her bedroom (“a girl's room… but not girly”) to this original pop song, written and recorded by sound designer Christopher Colucci and featuring several Philly theatre artists – click to have a listen!

Company member Claire Inie-Richards plays quick-witted teen Caroline, opposite Ricardy Charles Fabre in his People's Light debut as the laid back Anthony. The artistic force behind the production is largely comprised of members of our home team - Resident Director Samantha Reading directs; Assistant Technical Director Dylan Jamison and Scenic Artist Will Scribner collaboratively design the set; Wardrobe Supervisor Bridget Brennan designs costumes; Gina Pisasale dramaturgs; and Kate McSorley Fossner stage manages.

Of the costume design Brennan notes, "Like with most modern shows, it's about learning the characters: who they are and what would appeal to them, where they would shop, what's available in those stores, and what pieces they would purchase for themselves. For a character like Caroline, a creative person that likes to add a personal touch to things, I wanted to find something more original. I played with the idea of finding an interesting and quirky image she might like to print out and iron onto her t-shirt, which is how we ended up with the General Cat.”

Co–scenic designer Will Scribner mentioned a central focus and challenge in designing this particular play is, “walking the line between reality and theatricality – marrying these two ideas is a little bit tricky, especially because we don’t want to give 'it' away too early.” Co-scenic designer Dylan Jamison adds, "It is fantastic to dig beyond the text of the script and discover the lives the characters lead, to sculpt the walls of their room and the structure of their house based on the context of the isolated moments we examine in a play.”  

Surrounding I and You

Below are programs and services offered to "surround," increase access to, and deepen engagement with I and You.

Theatre News

The Wilder Connection

In honor of our production of The Matchmaker, we received a lovely visit from the author’s nephew, Tappan Wilder, also the literary executor of Thornton Wilder’s estate. In a jam-packed (less-than-24-hour) visit to Malvern, Tappan attended an intimate dinner with several People’s Light supporters – regaling us with his charm and insights on his uncle’s work  – attended the play, then hopped on stage for our post-performance discussion and met with cast members thereafter. Theatre staff, artists and patrons were bowled over by his gregarious nature and generosity of spirit. We hope he’ll call again. For information about the Wilder Estate click here.

People's Light Across the Atlantic

For the 25^th consecutive year, People’s Light recently led a voyage to England that burst with the best theatre London has to offer, insider tours, and decadent meals, over a 10-day luxurious stay. Here are some images of the excitement. For a head’s up on trip details for next year’s adventure, email Grace Grillet, grillet@peopleslight.org.

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