The Occidental Theater department held their fall production of “Poor Clare” for four days, Nov. 7-10, in Keck Theatre. The play is set in Assisi, Italy in 1211 and follows a noblewoman named Clare as her worldview shifts after meeting a man named Francis. Written by Chiara Atik, “Poor Clare” is a modern take on the true stories of St. Clare of Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi.
Aidhan Astrachan (senior), who played Francis, said “Poor Clare” is an interesting play because of its characters’ modern language and behaviors despite being a period piece. He said this helps the audience connect with the characters and demonstrates how many issues that existed in the 13th century are still being faced today.
“It shows us that no matter what happens, as humans, we’re still dealing with the same [stuff],” Astrachan said. “I think it’s very relevant, especially in this country with everything that is going on, and I think it’s important to laugh even when things are awful.”
Astrachan is a theater major and said he plans to become an actor after he graduates from Occidental. Astrachan said “Poor Clare” is a kind of play that he has not seen the college put on yet, which led him to audition.
“It was one of the first scripts I’d read for an Oxy play where I thought, ‘I would actually say that in real life,’” Astrachan said. “I connected with Francis in a way that I hadn’t with other characters I’ve played before.”
Lilia Cárdenas (first year) played the titular role of Clare. They said that in the play, Clare is someone who is very happy with her life and position in society.
“Her character changes a lot, but the one thing that doesn’t change is her goodness,” Cárdenas said. “Her definition of good changes, but she is always striving to be good.”
Cárdenas said they did not expect much when auditioning for the play, as they believe that the college theater world is hard to succeed in. Theater is special to them, so Cárdenas said they were excited to be able to have this experience during their first year at Occidental.
“I enjoy theater more than most things in the world, and there’s something that happens on a stage that I don’t think can be replicated anywhere else,” Cárdenas said.
Athya Paramesh (first year) said she decided to audition for the play because of its messages around social justice and the way the script uses comedy to draw attention to larger social issues.
“Something that has really struck me throughout the process is that I feel really empowered to make change in a way that’s unrelated to the show itself,” Paramesh said. “It’s a really inspiring show that asks a lot of the people who are a part of it and who are coming to see it.”
Paramesh said the show was impactful to her personal life and that she carries its message with her beyond the stage.
“I’ve never had a play resonate with me so much outside of the theater,” Paramesh said. “I’ve taken it into my classes, into activism and other realms of my life where theater has not played a role before. It’s a play that will stay with me after the curtain closes on Sunday.”
According to Ella Gibbs (senior), the cast formed an incredible bond with one another over the nine weeks of rehearsal.
“I’m very happy that our cast is so kind and loving,” Gibbs said. “We’ve been having so much fun together which makes the rehearsal process more enjoyable. It’s something that I look forward to doing every night.”
Cárdenas said the bond with their fellow castmates was something that was refreshing to have as a first year.
“I’ve never met a more devoted cast that wants to be there and loves each other and is so willing to support each other through everything,” Cárdenas said. “That energy transfers really well on stage, because all our relationships are genuine.”
According to Paramesh, “Poor Clare” is a special play because it is direct with its themes but still forces the audience to think after the curtains have closed.
“It’s not a show where you’ll leave and wonder what the purpose of certain things was, but there’s still room for interpretation,” Paramesh said.
The play ends with a monologue from Clare, and Cárdenas said the most rewarding part of playing the role was getting the audience to feel emotional.
“After the lights dim on the final monologue, I get up and I look into the crowd,” Cárdenas said. “If I’ve done my job correctly, I get to see tears streaming down everyone’s cheeks.”
Gibbs said the story and message of “Poor Clare” is something that every audience member can learn from and carry with them in their daily lives.
“It’s really a story about self discovery,” Gibbs said. “Clare really goes on a journey of understanding her own privilege, and once she steps out of her bubble, she begins to see what has been around her this whole time.”
Contact Izzy Shotwell at shotwell@oxy.edu
