Take a Seat: Pride and Prejudice

As an organization, CWE365 has been tremendously blessed with opportunities to experience the arts in exciting and different contexts. In October, the Walton Arts Center’s Take a Seat program generously offered free tickets for “Pride and Prejudice” to several high school students and leaders from Bentonville and Fayetteville Summits, as well as other individuals in the CWE365 family. The unique performance of the almost 200-year-old novel told the classic tale, which although having been recently popularized through cinema, the majority of students in attendance were not familiar with it. It was a joy to see students ranging from the middle school aged boy with his bright eyed younger sister to the group of high school girls captivated by the pure romance of the story, begin to grow an interest in classic literature. The unfamiliar dialect of 19^th century England, although confusing at first to students, eventually washed over the auditorium and transported them to full enjoyment of classic theater. “I liked the accents,” Michell, a fifth grader from Rogers responded dreamily when asked what she truly enjoyed about the play.

Bentonville High Schoolers and Leaders at WAC

 Although the dress of actors fit with the time period, and their British accents were spot on, there was one largely unique and refreshing factor in the performance. The actors were few in comparison to parts, but it was not a problem in the slightest. The company performed in the fashion of a radio broadcast, where sets are replaced by strategically placed stand microphones, and actors switch from role to role with varied voice and slight change in attire and demeanor. A jacket or switch in position of an apron, along with the tone of one’s voice, brought a new character to the story.

Not only was the viewing an educational opportunity, but the conversations springing from it were a chance for leader to student connection as well. For high school girls from Bentonville, it came in the form of questions about what determined certain characters views of romance, their motives and virtues. They were able to identify with certain emotions or motivations in their own lives, and connect to characters drawn up centuries before. "I loved being able to experience this incredible performance with high schoolers! It was fantastic to see one of my own favorite tales open the eyes of another generation to processing how the arts apply to life," Bentonville Ozone Director Ellie Chase reported.

A fantastic evening of thought provoking, humorous, real theater! What could be better?