Matt Berdahl Photography
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Everyman is a morality play from the Middle Ages. The authorship is unknown, and the script is in Old English. It makes for some difficult reading, and in dialogue with the cast after the show - it makes for difficult memorization as well. As difficult as the script may be, the production was not. It was moving, colorful, educational, fun to watch, and at 90 min with no intermission - a great way to spend time. The space, this time, was set up in the round. There was a multi-level square set with various poles leading up to the ceiling. On the floor below one of the platforms was a white skull painted on the set. There were a few other designs in white along the tops of some sections. The set was all in shades of grey except for these few accents. Around the edge of the highest platform was written Psalm 27:1 in Hebrew, and in a dingy yellow paint. Being a morality play, I knew that there would be a faith-based tone to the show, and it didn't disappoint.
Matt Berdahl Photography
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It may seem odd that some of those words are capitalized, but they are character names. The cast of eight was fantastic through out. Everyman is played by Corey Mills, Nicole Goeden, Kiara Jackson, Elohim Pena, and Joann Oudekerk (these actors also played other roles). The character of Everyman is shown to truly be every man, and every woman. Everyman wears a scarf or shroud that is exchanged between actors in a very nice ritual. There are subtle props that get added and taken away as the journey moves on. Sharayah Bunce plays Death (and has the most incredible costume), as well as Good-Deeds. Siddeeqah Shabazz plays Knowledge, while Nathan Gebhard plays Goods and Discretion. As each actor was part of the chorus, or playing Everyman, the costumes (all designed by Josette Elstad) were simple and black. Each character though had specific costumes that fit so well to the history of the show, as well as being current.
Matt Berdahl Photography
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Open Window has a redemptive vision to their work. The work they do is good, interesting and gets you thinking. They have a good space (which has had some work done to it) and I intend to continue to see what they put on. I hope you take a chance and see this classic, yet rarely done, theater piece.
edited 3/3/16 to make small updates, and give credit to the photographer