Diana D'Souza

I Saw "The Living!"

I am artistically untalented; I cannot sing, dance, play an instrument, act, or hum. Along the same vein, I suffer from horrid stage fright and have an inability to memorize lines. So when my friend Chloe Jung '23 told me that she would be performing in Anthony Clarvoe's play "The Living," I was instantly impressed. Naturally, my friends and I came out to support her on Opening Night. After a quick dinner at FoCo, we arrived at Moore Theatre thirty minutes early to ensure we could catch Chloe in her full glory. 

Even though this was the first theater performance I had watched at Dartmouth and I had no idea what I had signed up for, I was intrigued by the plot and engaged with the cast. The play spoke to the crippling effects of the 14th century bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, through several storylines. Sarah Chandler (played by Kerrigan Quenemoen '20) struggles to live with herself after her husband and children fall victim to the plague. Dr. Edward Harman (played by Nicholas Gutierrez '20) debates whether he should remain in London when he is powerless to heal patients. Lastly, Sir John Lawerence (played by Jenna Gallagher '21) attempts to prevent people from fleeing London. I particularly enjoyed how the three stories weaved together to create a narrative that is relevant today. The satirical play made references to the current administration's inability to pay for healthcare and drew parallels to the increasing number of HIV and ebola outbreaks. 

Kerrigan Quenemoen '20 (left) and Chloe Jung '23 (right)

Of course, my favorite part (although I am slightly biased) was seeing Chloe perform. Her first role was Angry Petitioner #3, who was one of the many citizens trying to get a Certificate of Health from Sir John in order to leave London. Chloe also played Jamey, a watchman who guarded Sarah Chandler's house to ensure that her sick children did not leave. She was particularly memorable for the monologue that she perfectly executed while slicing an apple. Again, the play drew on current events by explaining that there was nothing wrong with the Watchman profiting off of the death of the wealthy if she could have a stable job. 

After the two hour play concluded, I had a newfound respect for the cast's devotion. (Chloe would have late night rehearsals until 11pm while I was napping on my bed.) Not only did "The Living" performance have impeccable lighting and music as well as beautiful wooden props, but the multi-layered costumes were intricate and true to 14th century fashion. I am definitely looking forward to watching more student performances at the Hop.