Wit
By Margaret Edson February 10 - 26, 2006
Performance Information
Transformation of an actress - Mary Rowland in Wit As described in the News & Observer, Mary Rowland of Raleigh who plays the lead role of Vivian Bearing in RLT's production of Wit, goes to great lengths to transform herself for the role. Thanks to Michael Lester and The Purple Door Salon.  Click to download a hires version in PDF format In RLT’s production, the role of Vivian is vividly portrayed by veteran RLT actress, Mary Rowland (Raleigh) last seen on the RLT stage as Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire for which she received RLT’s Cantey Award for Best Actress. It’s a physically demanding for Rowland, as she is on-stage for every minute of the 90-minute intermission-less performance. The role also requires the actress to shave her head completely bald for the part and for Rowland, with hair down to midway of her back, that sacrifice was particularly difficult but eagerly approached. Rowland felt that it was absolutely necessary to shave her head for the role but will still wear a wig “out in the real world” when not on stage, particularly at her day job, teaching theatre and communications at Wake Tech. “I find that the play is less about patient’s rights than it is about identity: who we are and what we make of ourselves. It’s about knowledge, even self-knowledge and the value of knowledge. And while that is important, ultimately knowledge needs to be balanced out by kindness and human concern.” You are here: Home > Wit |
At the start of Wit, Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., a renowned professor of English who has spent years studying and teaching the brilliantly difficult Holy Sonnets of the metaphysical poet John Donne, has been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. During the course of her illness -- and her stint as a prize patient in an experimental chemotherapy program at a major teaching hospital -- Vivian comes to reassess her life and her work with a profundity and humor that are transformative both for her and for the audience. Mature subject matter. Not suitable for children.