“Playing for Time” Opens this Week

By: Elisabeth Steinhardt
Posted In: Entertainment

Beginning this week the Theater Department will present Arthur Miller’s “Playing for Time,” a haunting account of women who form an orchestra to survive their internment in Auschwitz. Performances will take place Nov. 6-8 and Nov. 14-15 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students; $8 for faculty, staff, and senior citizens; and $10 for the general public.

Mosaic Correspondent Elisabeth Steinhardt talked with Jacqueline “Jackie” Boyle, a senior at Salve who is double-majoring in Theater Arts and English Communications about her role in Miller’s play.

Q: What is your character’s name? Who is she in the play?

A: My character is Fania Fenelon, the woman the play is based on. It is her true-life account…surviving the Holocaust.

Q: How long have you been working on the play?

A: We have been rehearsing for about five weeks.

Q: Was it hard for you to prepare for this role?

A: It has been extremely challenging for me because I have to sing…and I have to give the best performance possible. I feel responsible because I am telling Fania’s story of strength, the human spirit and the kindness of strangers. I am very scared of singing…so we will see how it goes.

Q: Did you enjoy preparing for this role?

A: I have had such a great time doing this show. The cast and crew are amazing, and Ms. Hawkridge has once again created a brilliant show. Her encouragement has been vital to me as a performer. The whole cast is praying that the sprits of all the woman we are playing will be with us on opening night as we step on stage. I hope Fania is there with me…helping me to tell the story with importance and urgency. This is not just a show; it’s a part of history. The truth must be told.