‘Humans of Viterbo’ Student Production Starts Rehearsal
Last semester, theatre student, Naomi Haag, interviewed dozens of Viterbo students about their personal life experiences in order to create her play, “Humans of Viterbo”.The script is made up of each of their answers, word-for-word.
Haag became inspired to learn about her fellow students while passing people on her way to class. “I would walk to class everyday wondering if the people I was passing were also going through anything,” says Haag, “So, I decided to start Humans of Viterbo, not only to increase my own awareness of my community, but also because I wanted to use the resources I have to create something about other people and for other people.”
During the interviews, Haag gained a new perspective on the value of learning and retelling the stories of others. “I met so many incredible people from conducting the interviews. I heard so many stories about fear, love and perseverance. I also learned a lot from each interviewee. Everyone is so different, and everyone has a completely unique story to share,” says Haag, “I am really inspired by other people and the everyday things they face. To think I never would have learned these stories if I hadn't began this project!”
Haag began rehearsals for “Humans of Viterbo” last Monday. The piece is made up of eight vignettes, which are set in various communal areas around Viterbo’s campus, and each scene is based on a question from the interviews. ‘What was the hardest moment of your life?’, ‘What was your most embarrassing moment?’, and ‘What is your best piece of advice?’ are just a few of the questions Haag’s scenes are centered around.
“Rehearsal is based on a lot of collaboration from all eight actors and a lot of spit-balling ideas,” explains Haag, “It was so exciting to hear the piece read for the first time. I am joined by seven other actors from the theatre department, and each of them is so talented. We discover something new each time we read through it. Everyone is always bringing new ideas to the table, which is really exciting. I call my fellow actors ‘my team’”
According to Haag, one of the hardest parts of putting on a show like “Humans of Viterbo” is the acting challenges that come with portraying real people telling their most personal stories. The cast putting much of their focus on telling the stories as “real people” instead of telling the stories as “actors”. Haag explains, “In order to successfully portray a real person, you have to be incredibly open and aware of yourself first. It's about taking off a mask, not putting one on.”
“Humans of Viterbo” will be performed on Saturday, March 25 at 4 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. Admission is free, and tickets will be given away starting at 3 p.m. that same day. “It's amazing to see something that was once just an idea finally come to life,” says Haag, “I hope the audience takes something away from the piece. The goal is to increase our awareness of those we share our community with.”