When was the last time you took a lift up to the third floor in Canisius while being entertained by campus thespians? Fairfield University unknowingly became part of a worldwide theater “relay-race,” during which Theatre Fairfield puts on spontaneous performances around campus for one week, until the plays are passed on to the next theatre group.
The 51st week of this international phenomenon, “365 Days/365 Plays,” took place this past week as the members of the Acting I class captivated the student body with their unusual performances.
On Nov. 13, 2002, playwright Suzan-Lori Parks decided to write one play every day for one year. The end result was “365 Plays/365 Days,” the collective effort of over 700 theatrical organizations and universities across the country and around the world. Each participating organization is allowed to present the play in whatever method they choose.
Fairfield’s contribution to the year-long world premiere took place across campus in truly unexpected places, from the middle of the traffic circle to parking lots and elevators throughout the University.
The act of sharing a production with theaters all over the world changes the self-righteous norm of the term ‘world premiere,’ which leads to “365’s” philosophy of “pie for everyone,” according to Parks.
“Three hundred sixty-five is a big deal,” said Jon Leiseth, associate professor of visual and performing arts. “I think that the project offers a very tangible way to connect with a larger artistic community. And, by performing the pieces site-specific, we also connect with the Fairfield community in a unique and potentially surprising manner.”
The preparation for Fairfield’s rendition of week 51 began all the way back in spring of last year, with cooperation and support from campus security and administration. Students in the Acting I course have been rehearsing together throughout the semester with great enthusiasm and support for one another.
“I’m fortunate to work with a great class, a great group of people,” said Leiseth. “They’ve completely risen to the challenge, and taking on a project like this has brought them together in a way that performing scenes in a class setting does not.”
One would hardly expect to be entertained while looking out the window of the campus shuttle or while making one’s way across campus. But this past week, Fairfield University was lucky enough to witness a world premiere of a play by one of the greatest playwrights of our time simply by walking to class.
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