The Bucknall Theater on Sept. 12 was quiet except for the Fall 2023 play’s actors milling around and helping Meg Savilonis, an associate professor for the division of performing arts and department of English. Savilonis, the play’s director, set up the first table read for the theater department’s production of Chekhov’s “The Three Sisters.”
“The Three Sisters” is a 19th century play by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov that follows three sisters – Irina, Masha and Olga – and their brother Andrei who lost all their money and moved to Moscow.
“I’ve worked at UNH for 17 years and we have not done a mainstage Chekhov play since I’ve been here, and Chekhov is one of my top three favorite playwrights of all time,” said Savilonis.
Savilonis was not the only person in the theater who was excited, as the anticipation could be seen in the cast members such as Angelina Paulus, a sophomore criminal justice major and returning actor playing Irina.
Paulus shared Savilonis’ excitement for doing a classical play that is also a translated work such as “The Three Sisters,” which is something the actor has not done before.
Paulus was in “The Hatmaker’s Wife” during the Fall 2022 semester, a play also directed by Savilonis, along with Spring 2022’s “Godspell.” Paulus’ reason for returning to the theater so many times is the people involved, which she has always felt a sense of community and belonging with. “It’s just a big group of people all doing what they love to do and not feeling embarrassed to make a choice or to try something new,” said Paulus.
Paulus is not the only theater returner; Joseph Oliveira, a senior communications major, who was part of public relations for Fall 2022’s “The Hatmaker’s Wife” is now making his way onstage as Chebutykin.
Oliveira admitted to always being a big actor since the age of four and has been trying to land acting opportunities since. “Sometimes they pop up, sometimes they don’t,” Oliveira said in relation to finding acting roles. “Luckily, at this time I was able to take advantage of the situation.”
Oliveira is one of the members who worked behind the scenes of the play who are now stepping onto the stage. Robyn Cruz, a sophomore forensic psychology major, was part of the props team during “The Hatmaker’s Wife” and is now stepping into the role of a character named Rode.
“I’m excited to put on my first college production,” said Cruz. “I know some of the cast members and I’ve seen them on stage and I’m excited to work with that energy that they bring to the table and bring my own energy forward.”
Based on the responses from everyone involved with this semester’s play, there is much excitement and anticipation. While the cast and crew prepare for the actual production, keep an eye out for the dates of the first set.