When The Purple Settles: W&M Theater Pushes the Envelope

“When the Purple Settles” is the new W&M main stage play that will go up next Thursday at Phi Beta Kappa hall. It is a play about human relationships, struggles with family, all overshadowed by the Pilipino martial law of the 1970s and 1980s.

The play is very different than any other main stage play put on here at the college. It uses a minimalist set of two plain white ramps and a plain white floor. The costumes and props, however, are all handcrafted and quite intricate. There is quite a bit of dance in the play, ranging from traditional cultural dances by W&M’s own FASA, and hip hop dances choreographed by W&M’s own Syndicate. There are many different projections and musical instruments incorporated into this play, which should prove it to be ornately wonderful.

The cast is also something to be praised. Made up of some of the most diverse students on campus, they have come together to create one unified cultural statement. I am proud to be a part of this production, and know that it will have a lasting impression on W&M Theater for years to come. I hope that everyone comes out to see it as it runs from next Thursday to Sunday!

Chloe Lewis, Tour Guide
Class of 2011