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Posted 2-13-11
[From left: Colleen Madden as Dr. Cora Gage, Olivia Dawson as May N’Kame and Director Laura Gordon]
Director Laura Gordon welcomes the cast, crew and invited guests to the first rehearsal of Forward Theater’s upcoming production of Going to St. Ives. Laura Gordon is an esteemed member of Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s resident acting company and brings a personal connection with the script to her role as the director. In 2009 she performed the role of Dr. Cora Gage in a production of the play at Next Act Theatre in Milwaukee.
In Going to St. Ives May N’Kame, the mother of an African dictator, travels to England to see Dr. Cora Gage about medical treatment for her failing eyesight. Dr. Gage uses the consultation as an opportunity to advocate for the release of some of her colleagues, doctors who were doing charitable work in May’s country. Meanwhile, May N’Kame’s true motive is also revealed. Going to St. Ives is the story of two impressive women brought together personal matters, and divided political realities, as both seek to accomplish the greatest good.
March 3rd – 19th in Overture Center’s Promenade Hall
Costume designer Scott A. Rött shares his thoughts on the design for Dr. Cora Gage and May N’Kame’s costumes. In Act I, the women are dressed formally as they meet for the first time and try to impress one another. The playwright notes that May N’Kame’s “African clothing is impressive – its intense colors emphasize her imposing presence.”
Jen Trieloff’s sets underscore the characters’ cultural backgrounds. Act I (left) takes place in drawing room in an older home in St. Ives, a smallish town near Cambridge, England. Act II (right) occurs in a small terrace garden in a house in Africa.
Forward Theater Artistic Director Jen Uphoff Gray (fifth from left) looks on with members of Forward’s advisory committee, board members and donors.
