Elephant’s Graveyard

The Department of Theatre and Dance recently produced the play, Elephant’s Graveyard, written by George Brant. The performances ran Saturday, February 25, 2023; Tuesday, February 28, 2023; Wednesday, March 1, 2023; and Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the Alexander Kasser Theater.

Synopsis: When a traveling circus arrived in a muddy Tennessee town in 1916, the hunger for spectacle and the power of hysteria collided and took a tragic turn. Based on a true story, Elephant’s Graveyard recounts why the hanging execution of a gigantic elephant happened, with a personal narrative and lush theatricality that will reverberate long after the curtain goes down.

The Montclair State University production was directed by Sonoko Kawahara. Originally from Tokyo, New York-based Kawahara has been developing original works that integrate text, music, movement, and visual elements. These works have been presented at NYC venues such as DTW, PS 122, HERE, Women’s Project, Music Theater Group, New York Theatre Workshop, and La MaMa. Kawahara’s work is fully theatrical with visual impact utilizing various art forms including elements such as Japanese swordplay.

Guest director Sonoko Kawahara was interested in exploring the character of Mary as a chorus of diverse actors giving visibility to the universality of oppression and violence that so many cultures have and still continue to endure. This concept heightened the effect of play by holding a mirror up to the audience and asking the question, how long are we going to continue to allow this to happen? The play is a cautionary tale of how fear and momentum can manifest violence and a rousing cry to create change.

Photos

View some photos from the production of Elephant’s Graveyard.