The InstigatorFrom Page to Stage…Enlightened Theatrics presents Dear Elizabeth
“Based on the compiled letters between poets Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop, Sarah Ruhl expresses the beauty in simple correspondence. Between 1947 and 1977, they exchanged more than four hundred letters. Describing the writing of their poems, their travel and daily illnesses, the pyrotechnics of their romantic relationships, and the profound affection they had for each other, these missives are the most intimate record available of both poets and one of the greatest correspondences in American literature.”
The role of Robert Lowell is being performed by Ronan Baker, who is making his Enlightened Theatrics debut. Most recently, he has been seen on the main stage as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the shadow cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show and as David Bowie in Heroes and Rebels: A Tribute to David Bowie, both at the Elsinore Theatre.
Diane Edwards Slamp, also a newcomer to Enlightened Theatrics, will be playing the role of Elizabeth Bishop. Diane’s latest roles include as Countess Elena Andrenyi in Murder On The Orient Express (ACT), Ms. Scarlet in Clue (ACT), and as Sally Applewhite in It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Pentacle Theatre).
Setting the stage, Enlightened Theatrics will transform Salem’s Historic Grand theater into a black box, creating an intimate space highlighting the world of letter writing for an audience of only 78 members per performance.
To create further connection, community members are invited to share in the visual representation of the story by writing Enlightened Theatrics a letter answering one or both of the questions: “Who is your favorite poet/author and why?” and/or “Is there a letter you received that changed your life?”
Received letters will be displayed throughout the run of our show in the lobby. To participate, send your letter to Enlightened Theatrics, 643 Union St. NE, Suite 200, Salem, OR 97301.
Dear Elizabeth…
When: 7:30 p.m. March 10-11, 17-18 and 2 p.m. March 12 and 19.
Where: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 187 High St NE
Cost: $25
Age: 16 and older
Tickets & Info: 503-585-3427, EnlightenedTheatrics.org
A version of this story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 15 (Feb/Mar 2023)
