Pauper Players incites sociopolitical implications through 'Cabaret'

The UNC Pauper Players will debut their newest show, “Cabaret,” on Nov. 11 at Historic PlayMakers Theatre on campus.

The play's sociopolitical themes feel especially appropriate to the cast in light of this week's election. Many members among the cast think the play has arrived at just the perfect time — at least for the sake of the community.

"Cabaret" is based on a 1939 novel by Christopher Isherwood and a 1951 play by John Van Druten. The story follows Cliff Bradshaw, a young struggling American writer who falls in a deep romantic relationship with Sally Bowles, a nightclub cabaret performer, during the uprising of the Nazi political party in Berlin during the 1930s. When their situation turns from bad to worse, intense conflict is bestowed upon the young couple in a drastic way. 

Anna Longenecker, who plays the female lead of Sally Bowles, said the cast members are trying to incorporate the emotions that UNC students are experiencing after the election.

"The dynamic of the show was definitely altered, I say, to be more real, to be more poignant, to be more striking, to be more jarring," Longenecker said.

“This play is one of survival in midst of a political change, whether that be through distraction or through denial, acceptance or perseverance. We all have our different ways of coping, and this is definitely a story of coping."

Gage Tarlton, who plays the supporting character of Herr Schultz, said he is a member of the LGBTQ community. He believes this production is quite relevant in terms of today’s standards. 

"I highly recommend that the people who may have voted for Donald Trump, or who may not know a lot of what minorities are based in society, to see the show, and become more open-minded to those views," Tarlton said. "I think it can be really eye-opening to people who may not understand what other people are coming from.”

McKenzie Wilson, the director of the production, described her experiences and duties using two words. 

“It has been extremely empowering and enlightening,” Wilson said. “I have been awakened to the difficulties and the stresses of many different roles."

"I have been able to identify myself more in relation to art in general as well as a leader, as somebody that has something to say, and as someone that wants to say something.”

Wilson, who started as an actress before taking on the role of director, relishes the opportunity of adopting this responsibility.

“It has been quite the challenge,” Wilson said. “Acting is so personal. You are required to take one role in a broader concept and message. You are basically a tool in translating that to an audience. What we often forget as actors when putting ourselves into that role is that we are a cog in a larger machine, and I think that is what I wanted to do as a director. I wanted to look into the larger machine, see how I could play into it, as well as see how each cog can play into the larger machine.”

Overall, the rehearsal process has been a fun but tiring affair. Longenecker said she went into meticulous detail when researching for her role, including watching various stage and film productions of the timeless musical. However, while she aims to respect the incarnations of her character that have preceded before her, she also wants to bring a refreshing unique take to this complex characterization. 

“This role is very dimensional, very dynamic, and there are a lot of layers to her,” Longenecker said. “I wanted to hone in on myself, to find ways to display myself into the character.”

“Cabaret” will be performed at the Historic PlayMakers Theatre on Nov. 11 at 8 p.m., Nov. 12 at 8 p.m., as well as Nov. 13 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets can be bought for $8 in advance and $10 at the door for admission. 

@keberly1996

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