A hush fell over the theatre as the actors waltzed back and forth across the stage. Focused on their dances, they flowed in synchronized steps. The actors have endured a hurricane and many other struggles to ensure that their production of Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice” would be a success.
Although many people may be familiar with “Pride & Prejudice,” the Annie Russel Theatre presents a modernized version directed by Rollins alumna Peg O’Keefe (’81) who is thrilled to be back at her alma mater to bring this piece of work to life.
Peg O’ Keefe returns to Rollins on the tail end of her recent film & TV productions, including Marvel’s “She-Hulk,” DC’s “Doom Patrol,” and PlayStation Productions’ “Twisted Metal.”
In the past, she has taught and directed theatre students at Rollins. She said, “This is a return to the old home for me.”
And with her return home, Peg brings excitement and new perspectives to this production of “Pride & Prejudice.”
This production was written by Kate Hamil, a feminist playwright known for writing contemporary adaptations of classical literature.
When asked about the ways in which Hamil’s play resonates with modern sensibilities, O’Keefe said, “It’s very contemporary in its tone, but it resonates against a 19th century background as created by Jane Austen. It’s fun and fierce and funny.”
To simplify the complex plot of the original novel, this production removes the character of Catherine Bennet and includes actors playing multiple characters. For example, Emmanuel Tojanci (’28) plays Mr. Bingley and Mary Bennet, two contrasting characters. When asked how this inclusion creates new dynamics for actors to work around, Tojanci said, “There’s contrast; my character, Mary, is very sad and to herself, strict and monotone, while Mr. Bingley is like a golden retriever, jumping and joyful.”
Contrast is a major theme throughout this production. Belle Daoust (’25), who plays Lydia and Lady Catherine, said, “Kate Hamil really planned which characters to double because they are two sides of the same coin. Lydia is very free and ignores the rule while Lady Catherine is very strict and very much a rule follower.”
Each actor brings their own interpretations to their role(s), whether or not they were familiar with the original novel. Ani Henry Walker (’25), who plays Lizzie Bennet, said, “I want to do more with the character. But the character can’t do more. I have to do what the character is.”
While some actors are conflicted with feelings of wanting to do more while being historically accurate, others reflect their own experiences as women, comparing them to the experiences of 19th century women. Daoust said that being a woman in 19th century society “is so applicable to society today because some of the themes, like feeling out of control, are still big. Even in today’s society, there are a lot of women who feel completely out of control.” This production of “Pride & Prejudice” hopes that audience members can relate to the characters and their experiences in the play.
“Even though we don’t dress the same, it’s really asking the question: What has changed?” said Daoust.
Peg O’Keefe hopes to show audience members the ways in which society has not really changed since the 19th century. She said, “I think it will be a really interesting play for people to see the connections that lie between eras of the past and today and also the potential to celebrate the things that tie us all together, our humanity, search for love, search for identity, and the moment we begin to know ourselves.”
Historical accuracy, including historical sentiments, have been a major point of focus during rehearsals. Daoust commented on the challenges to remain historically accurate throughout the production. She said, “My costumes are forcing me to have a straight back, so it’s like, OK, this is what they would have sat like at the time, but halfway through rehearsal, I’m slouching again because my back is getting sore.” These fine details have been hard on the actors who are adapting to the traditions and lifestyles of the characters they are portraying.
This production has overcome a lot of different challenges, such as the hurricanes that hit Florida at the beginning of October which delayed the beginning of rehearsal to ensure that everyone working on the project could remain safe. Regarding the rehearsal process, Walker said, “I think we all feel that there is a little bit of a time crunch, but I think we all have been working so diligently. We all bring great spirits and energy. Despite that bit of a time crunch, we are flowing through the play tremendously.”
The Annie Russell actors hope that audience members of all ages will enjoy and see parts of themselves in some of the characters.
Ella Juengst (’26), who plays Jane Bennet and Mrs. De Bourgh, said, “It’s such a beautiful story about being able to break out of restrictions that society imposes on us, and we impose on ourselves, for the sake of love.”
When asked what she hopes the audiences will take away from it, Walker said, “you’re going to leave with something, and you’re going to leave feeling connected to someone, and I think that’s the biggest thing to take away from it.”
The Annie Russell Theatre’s production of “Pride and Prejudice” runs from November 21 until November 24. Tickets are available online and at the box office.
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