PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — The Players’ Ring Theatre welcomes the new year on Jan. 5 with the world premiere of “You, Me and The Woodsmoke,” written and directed by Catherine Stewart.
Julianne (Monique Peaslee Foote) and Margo (Kolby Hume) hope a camping trip will rekindle their long-lost relationship. But like their friendship, the forest holds secrets, and as the weekend unfolds, the desire to confront the truth flickers in the campfire flames.
“This is a play about friendship, and that’s something I was initially hesitant to say,” Stewart said. “During the process of developing the script, both in rehearsals of recent weeks and in the six years it’s taken to get the play to this stage, I have realized that my hesitancy comes from a cultural discrediting, or perhaps devaluing, of the word ‘friendship,’ particularly, when it’s been between individuals who identify as women.”
In many respects, this play is also about ecology, which ultimately studies relationships, Stewart added.
“The vast network of influence organisms have on each other, be that a single fungus or an entire forest,” she said.
The cast also includes actor Matt Recine, who plays multiple roles that bring the forest to life.
“Catherine is one of those artists who deliver excellent, thoughtful and incredibly original work while also taking great care of every step of the creative process,” said Margherita Giacobbi, the Players’ Ring producing director. “And by doing so not only does she generate very surprising creations, but she also manages to engage the most impressive artists and theater makers around. I simply cannot wait for our audience to dive into this immersive experience.
A skilled and experienced creative team collaborates on all aspects to make this enchantment happen.
Carol Fisher, a faculty member at the University of New Hampshire, contributes to the magic by creating puppets. Natural phosphorescence, sunlight and moonlight crafted by lighting designer Tayva Young; a set that includes a giant climbable tree by Rachel Taylor; a notebook illustrated by Sara Peiffer, and 1990s alt-rock-inspired soundscaping by C.J. Lewis all build a world that will surprise the audience while supporting the story.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of creating a unique sonic ecosystem for this,” Lewis said. “We’re going to utilize electric instruments, but try to conjure a synthetic naturescape with them. In a play about memory and secrets, it’s interesting that the characters’ entire environment is lying to them, too.”
“You, Me and The Woodsmoke” runs from Jan. 5 to 14 at The Players’ Ring Theatre, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. The play is two hours with intermission. Tickets are $28 for general admission; $25 for students/seniors.
Visit www.playersring.org to purchase tickets.