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by Christina Foster '07
Tragedy struck senior theatre and English major Amanda Wolk in 2000 when her brother Adam was diagnosed with cancer. Although he was only 31 when he passed away in 2004, he lives on in spirit through Wolk and her latest creative work. The Light Within is a one-act play written and directed by Wolk, which tells of the relationship she and her brother shared, as well as her experience since his death.
"I want the audience to get that grieving is a roller coaster of emotions," said Wolk. "One moment you're up and the next moment you're down."
Wolk spent the spring semester in 2006 completing three semester hours of independent research on grief theories in American society and the representations of grief in dramatic literature. She has spent the fall semester completing three semester hours casting and directing her own play.
The cast consists of four actresses and two crew members. Senior Jenna Zitz is the narrator, who serves as protagonist Mandy's conscience in the play, as well as the host of three talk shows.
"The narrator also sometimes gives background information, verbalizes Mandy's thoughts and sometimes joins in conversations Mandy's having with someone else," said Wolk.
Freshman Kim Fahle plays Mandy. Sophomore Sarah Tytler and senior Erin Mullins both play a mirage of parts, including guests on The Dr. Phil Show and The Jerry Springer Show, as well as Mandy's mother and father. The cast has a rather unique way of dressing as well.
"All the characters are dressed in black and have different costume pieces to go with each character they play," said Wolk. "Dr. Phil wears a tie, Mom wears glasses, the female newscaster wears pearls."
"There are moments throughout the whole show that are funny, but most of the funny scenes are in the talk show and newscaster segments," said Wolk, referring to a show within the play that she made up called Top Ten Stupid Things People Say Countdown.
Although the play entwines Wolk's experiences since the passing of her brother, Adam was not cast as a character in the play. He is referenced and spoken to like he is present, but none of the actors take on his character.
"No one plays Adam," said Wolk. "He's an invisible partner."
The Light Within will run in Hofheimer Theatre from Wednesday, Dec. 6 to Saturday, Dec. 9. Admission is free, but donations will be taken for the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, affiliated with Indianapolis University Hospital, where Wolk's brother stayed for a portion of time during his illness. For reservations call 757.455.3381.