Premiere play explores relationships, struggles from the inside of a car
“Marcus is Walking,” the latest production by the University Theatre, is just about ready to take audiences for a ride. The play, directed by theatre arts faculty member Brian Stevens, is scheduled to run at the Edison Theatre over two consecutive weekends, starting on October 2.
Based on the 1997 work by playwright Joan Ackermann, “Marcus is Walking” takes place entirely behind the wheel of a car through a series of vignettes. The car serves as the focal point for each story, helping the characters to explore themes related to love, escape, and control.
There’s the story of the businessman who forms a bond with a woman sleeping in his car; a father and son riding through the streets on Halloween; and an actor who causes a rear-end collision following an argument with a taxi driver. According to Stevens, each vignette examines “the emotional landscape we roam as we travel in our cars.”
“We love the idea of this play, the cast often describes it in a couple of words.” Stevens said “The play is about connecting, relationships, communication, and intimacy.”
Stevens aimed to inspire a sense of make-belief in the audience and open their imagination. Cast members, however, worked hard to tap into real emotional experiences to make the most of their roles in each scene.
The cast of “Marcus is Walking” brings together a mix of new and experienced Toro actors. For some, the play marks a long-awaited return to the stage.
“I am a transfer into CSUDH, and it has been three years since I have been in a production like this,” said theatre arts student Nick Medina, who plays Dimitri, Rick, and Terrance. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to be back and here at CSUDH.”
Preparing for production has put the seven-person cast to the test, since each member portrays more than one character during the play. theatre arts student Marie Jones who plays Ellen, Marcus, and Anne said she spent several hours practicing her roles outside rehearsals.
“Some of the things that I have been doing are writing my lines down over and over again until it sticks,” Jones said. “I also ask family members at home to play other roles to help me rehearse.”
Opening-night jitters aside, each cast member interviewed by The Bulletin said they were confident and feeling ready to get behind the wheel. Stevens lauded the cast as talented, saying they are more than ready to take command of their respective roles.
Explaining that the group has come so far in three weeks, with so much more growing to do he is confident that his cast will be ready to go when the play starts.
