Homecoming weekend hosted the final show of the 2024 fall play at John Brown University. On the night of Oct. 5, JBU student actors and actresses put on the final performance of the play they had been working on since the beginning of the semester.
This year’s play was an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. The original novel is a well-known classic that tells the story of four sisters and their views on love and relationships, as well as their mother who is desperate to find a match for her daughters.
The play did not fail to incorporate iconic characters, such as Lizzy, Jane, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. However, the serious tone, as portrayed in the original novel, was complemented with a good amount of satire to bring laughter among the audience.
“It was actually a really good play considering it was an adaptation. It was not exactly the same as the book, but it was a good performance that brought laughter all around,” Alejandra Ocon, freshman at JBU and a fan of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice said.
Upon entering the auditorium, the audience was placed in a classical environment through the background music and the scenery on stage. Contemporary songs, such as “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift and “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish, were adapted into classical versions to complement the old-timey feel of the play which had a modern use of satire. Just as Austen consistently included nature in her writing, so did the play make nature a part of their props on stage.
The first show took place on Oct. 3, and tickets were quickly sold. For three consecutive days, Austen fans could embrace the satire and seriousness conveyed in the play, while those who heard of Pride and Prejudice for the first time were able to enjoy the comical dialogues between the characters.
Austen’s works are widely spoken of in colleges. Her novels have survived the passing of time due to how relatable they are regardless of the context.
“She gives voice to the common people and common human experiences, and she created a seamless bridge between them and the elite,” Natalie Davey, English professor at JBU, said.
“I think that the purpose of the play was to encourage a love and respect for Jane Austen and for her works as well as bring a lighthearted, modern adaptation to one of her pieces that people may think is outdated,” freshman Abilene Skelton, who played Mrs. Benett said.
The hard work students and professors put into this play was noticeable and so was their passion. Emotion was able to transcend from the stage to those watching the show. This play was an opportunity to lighten the mood among students who find themselves halfway through the semester, and it reiterated Austen’s impact on modern literature.
Photo Courtesy of John Brown University Theater Department