By Jennifer Mustoe
Opening on June 14, 2019 in Provo is an original work by Fran Smeath called Shaking the Earth about Shakespeare‘s contemporary, Christopher Marlowe. In two interviews, I was able to find out more about this fascinating work. I interviewed Smeath and Adam Argyle, who plays the lead.
Interview with Fran Smeath, playwright
1. What is the play about?
I don’t like saying what a play is “about” because that severely constricts its impact. I prefer to think in terms of a play’s evocative potential — what might it stir in the audience? It’s true the play is “limited” to Elizabethan England, mostly London, but I hope it evokes the true challenge, not forgetting the genuine dangers, of wide-awake living in a society where it is often much safer to consciously keep “under the radar.”
2. What was your inspiration for the play?
My inspiration came directly from the primary source documents which I studied during my graduate work. I soon discovered that Marlowe‘s reputation today does not match the actual contemporary evidence which survives from his era. That inconsistency became an intriguing, even relentless nudge which I couldn’t ignore.
3. What is your background?
My background is not at all exotic! I was born in Ogden, Utah, raised in Salt Lake and grew up in California (Modesto and Santa Rosa). After graduating from Santa Rosa High School, I took my B. A. at BYU, my Master’s Degree at Emerson College in Boston, and my Ph.D., again at BYU. My focus was liberal arts as an undergraduate, with an increasing focus on Elizabethan theater and theater history, directing and playwriting for my graduate degrees. I managed a totally immersive and valuable summer in London (1978), which confirmed my suspicions that documentary evidence is being misinterpreted, and I’ve continued historical/academic studies along with creative writing efforts ever since.
4. Have you written other plays?
My play Returning delves into a troubled 1846 LDS marriage, set against the background of the expulsion from Nauvoo and the move west. A Pride of Heretics was generated by exposure during my Boston studies to the history of free — those who broke off from the main branch of that faith because they felt compelled to take up arms against the British in the American Revolution. It was a joy to research and a greater delight to write. Shaking the Earth is my third “big” play — I have written several shorter plays on various topics and a fourth “big” play that is nowhere near ready for production yet.
5. What is your favorite part and/or character in the play? Why?
I have no favorite characters in the play, even Christopher himself, because they are all so real to me after decades of both imaginative and factual delvings into their lives and associations. I will say that there is one scene in the play which still moves me as authentic and genuine — as wholly true to the particular two characters in that scene — even though I’m the one who wrote it. When I read it or hear it, I feel like a time-traveler, overhearing words just being spoken, and the conversation is about things that deeply matter. I’ll let the audience members decide for themselves whether or not they find a scene in the play which rises to that level!
6. What do you hope the audience will take away from the performance?
I would love the audience to leave the theater convinced that Thomas Hariot’s opening words were correct.
Interview with Adam Argyle, who plays the lead.
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I play Christopher “Kit” Marlowe.
2. What has the rehearsal schedule been like (how long, etc)?
I would describe it as Fast and Furious. Jarom (Brown–director) had a very clear vision so we were able to accomplish a lot in a very limited time.
3. Is there anyone in the cast you’ve worked with before? Or first timers?
This is my first time working with everyone in the cast. I have been very impressed with the level of talent and professionalism they have all displayed. We have had limited rehearsal time but everyone worked really hard to take advantage of the time we did have.
4. What have been the biggest challenges and biggest delights in the show? For me the lines have been the biggest challenge. Marlowe was a very good playwright who loves the language and Fran has brilliantly captured that in his dialogue. This allows for some really great scenes between characters that I have really enjoyed doing.
5. What will audiences find as the biggest surprises?
I think that audiences will really enjoy the wit and the clever twists and turns the plot takes. Especially how Kit uses his intelligence to turn things to his advantage.
6. Is this role similar to any others you’ve played?
I find some similarities between Marlowe and Charles Jennens from Joyful Noise. Both are linguistic artists that are passionate about their craft.
This show has a relatively short run and should be fascinating. Our reviewer will be there opening night and the review should be up soon.
Shaking the Earth by Fran Smeath opens June 14, 2019. It plays June 14-15, 17, 21-22 7:30 PM
Shaking the Earth Facebook Event
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