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Four actors on stage in a Victorian-era play setting

Pygmalion: Behind-the-Scenes Insights 

Corlew Karla

Exploring “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw

Penned by George Bernard Shaw, Pygmalion is a stunning exploration of class, beauty, and power set in the social landscape of the time. At the heart of the narrative is Eliza Doolittle, a crafty Cockney flower seller. A bet sets in motion her transformation into a member of the upper class, with the haughty phonetics expert, Henry Higgins, as her tutor. His mission is to morph her into a Duchess for an upcoming high-profile event, focusing on polishing her speech as he perceives it to be the ultimate mark of gentility.

While the same story inspired the famous musical, My Fair Lady, Shaw’s initial version veers more towards satire than romance. The humor and pointed commentary on societal norms in Pygmalion make it as resonant today as in Shaw’s time.

Behind the Scenes: Production Details

Pygmalion marked the first collaborative production between BoHo Theatre and Stage Left Theatre, two organizations dedicated to igniting discourse on sociopolitical issues. This production was made possible by the combined talent and passion of many individuals. Stage Left Theatre’s Artistic Director, Vance Smith, served as the primary director, while Peter Robel, the Associate Artistic Director at BoHo, was the Associate Director. The troupe comprised familiar faces from both houses, a testament to the harmonious alliance of these two theatre companies. 

Cast and Crew of Pygmalion

Cast:

  • Eliza Doolittle: Mouzam Makkar;
  • Henry Higgins: Steve O’Connell;
  • Colonel Pickering: Sandy Elias;
  • Alfred Doolittle: Mark Pracht;
  • Mrs. Higgins: Lisa Herceg;
  • Mrs. Eynsford-Hill: Laura Sturm;
  • Clara Eynsford-Hill: Rebecca Mauldin;
  • Freddy Eynsford Hill: Charles Riffenburg;
  • Mrs. Pearce: Stephanie Sullivan;
  • Ensemble: Zev Valancy;
  • Ensemble: Jeannie Saracino.

Crew:

  • Scenic Design: Eleanor Kahn;
  • Lighting Design: Jessica Harpenau;
  • Costume Design: Theresa Ham;
  • Sound Design: Adam Smith;
  • Properties Design: Cassy Schillo;
  • Technical Director: Rick Julien;
  • Dialect Coach: Lindsay Bartlett;
  • Dramaturg: Skye Robinson Hillis;
  • Stage Manager: Tara Malpass;
  • Production Manager: Kristin Steele.

Recognition and Awards

The brilliance of the production was recognized during the Jeff Awards, where Costume Designer Theresa Ham was nominated for her exceptional work in the show.

The Impact and Relevance of Pygmalion

Ever since its inception, Pygmalion has served as a mirror to society, reflecting our limitations and biases regarding class and appearance. It challenges viewers to reconsider preconceived notions, ensuring its relevance even in contemporary times.

The Classic vs Modern Interpretation

While the core story remains the same, modern renditions of Pygmalion often emphasize different aspects of the narrative, such as the personal growth of the characters or the societal commentary. This allows each production to breathe new life into the timeless tale.

Conclusion

Pygmalion, with its dynamic characters and satirical critique of society, continues to be a beacon of thought-provoking theatre. The synergy of BoHo Theatre and Stage Left Theatre brought this timeless classic to life, resonating with audiences and reminding us to question societal norms and expectations.