Elon’s Department of Performing Arts concluded its production of “Paradise Lost,” adapted from John Milton’s epic poem by playwright Erin Shields, on Feb. 2. This was the department’s fifth performance of the school year and the second stage play of the 2024-2025 season, after “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.”
“Paradise Lost” follows Satan, played by sophomore Ella Schultz, after she is cast into hell, as she seeks revenge on God, played by senior Niklas Salah, by convincing Adam and Eve, played by freshman Carter Sindelar and junior Kelly Gillan, to commit the original sin. The show explores themes of freedom, humanity, feminism, love and revenge.
The production was directed by professor of theatre Susanne Shawyer, with senior Grace Minton as assistant director. Minton said Shawyer’s direction is reflected in the show’s minimalist set, costumes and scene composition.
“Dr. Shawyer is known for making theater out of nothing,” Minton said. “Everything speaks for itself.”
The set consisted of a circular platform, chairs and umbrellas as part of the minimalist set. The cast sang folk songs to accompany scene transitions.
The cast also contributed to the visual storytelling. Actors entangled themselves in a pile of chairs, becoming snarling hounds and gargoyles guarding the gates of hell. Satan wrapped her arms in garland and played with its physicality to transform into the serpent. Mammon and Astoreth — played by seniors Deborah Han and Katie Kapp — had fused after the war in heaven, locking arms and rotating around each other to speak. Physical movement differentiated characters played by the same actor.
Offstage, the cast supported each other throughout the rehearsal process, according to Minton. Minton said more experienced actors helped newer performers adapt to the intense Winter Term schedule of 11 rehearsals, lasting from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“The more seasoned daytime performers were giving advice on staying in a routine,” Minton said. “Go to bed at a decent hour, get a workout in, stay hydrated.”
The production provided many actors with a learning opportunity. Freshman Matthew Graham Brown, who was the understudy for The Son, Michael and Moloch, discovered the academic nature of acting.
“You're taking out your notebook, you're doing research, you're writing,” Brown said. “I've learned more about the biblical theology of Satan, God and the war in heaven, and the way that is presented across cultures.”
Sophomore Amelia Brinson who was the understudy for Ithuriel and Death experienced the rehearsal process from a new perspective as an understudy.
“I've always been in shows, but I didn't get to see the whole picture,” Brinson said. “Being an understudy I've gotten to take a step back, watch it all, and observe. It's been a really great learning experience.”
The Department of Performing Arts will have four other performances this semester: “Emanation — The Spring Dance Concert,” stage play “The Grapes of Wrath,” and musicals “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” and “Merrily We Roll Along.”
A full schedule of performances can be found on the Department of Performing Arts website, along with links to purchase tickets to “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812.” Ticket sales for “Emanation — The Spring Dance Concert,” “Grapes of Wrath” and “Merrily We Roll Along” will be available beginning Feb. 14, March 13 and April 25 respectively.