The Circumstance of What’s Given is a devised play that was performed at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in November, directed by Tyee Tilghman. I had the honor of getting to assistant direct this beautiful play alongside my friend.
The play was comprised of pieces of personal writing each of the cast members had brought into callbacks. The pieces that were written had a wide variety of topics, such as culture, family, identity, mental health, etc. For those who were cast, we incorporated each of their pieces into a full play. Everyone played as themselves and got to share their personal stories and writings in the play. It was so fun getting to see this play come to life and getting to experience what it’s like to direct a play as well.
The process of putting together this play was definitely difficult at times. Not knowing how to fit things together, figuring out lighting, props, costumes, etc. After all, we were building a play from the ground up. Everyone in the cast and crew was getting to be a part of something that had never been done before.
I am so incredibly grateful to have been a part of this production. This was such an important and impactful show, not only did it mean so much to everyone apart of it, but it meant so much to the audience. We had a full house every night, and every night the audience was connecting and relating to the material. I’m so proud of everyone that worked on this!!
