Tell us a bit about the plot ofFaces.
Upon meeting in an attic, four young adults, led by Ethan Fielding, are in search of a long lost token: a penny whistle that belonged to Ethan’s deceased grandfather. Its discovery sparks an unforeseen journey of the self, and challenges these characters’ social relationships. Their journey invokes the ghost of Ethan’s grandfather, Arthur, who follows them in their exploration, leading to a most unexpected and revealing discovery of who Arthur truly was. Unbeknownst to Ethan, this discovery impacts his life profoundly, and leads to a life-changing experience for all those involved.
What do you think the play is about thematically?
Inherent to its nature, all art bears some kind of duality and deeper meaning behind the facade of its narrative. Thematically, Faces is like any allegory: a resonant message of humanity, compassion, and civility are at its core. This musical is specific however, in that it focuses on how true compassion and unity achieve the ultimate harmony. There are lessons of course on friendship and camraderie – however the true message of this work is about oneness and collaborative empathy.
What kind of audience are you hoping to attract?
This is a musical for all audiences: there is no age, gender, race, or demographic who should be limited to its enjoyment. There is, however, an obvious point of similarity or relatability to adolescents, millennials and all young people, as this is a story exploring that age group. Nonetheless, enjoyment will no doubt be found by all those who see it.
How have rehearsals been so far?
There have been a vast range of experiences and moments, testing every member of the cast and production team in one way or another. Naturally, rehearsals are meant to be dynamic, involved, and testing. They are where characters are developed and the story is realised. But the word which best comes to mind when describing our rehearsals is ‘beneficial’.
What do you want audiences to leave the theatre thinking/feeling?
Uplifted. Positive. Happy. Simple. But that is ultimately the message of compassion and humanity in general: to look forward and upward.
Faces – The Musical runsTuesday October 11 – Sunday October 23 atFactory Theatre.
