Religion and Ritual Explored in Wellfleet Harbor Stage Company's 'Church'

By: iO Staff, July 18, 2012

Courtesy HSC - The Harbor Stage Company: Stacy Fischer, Robert Kropf, Amanda Collins, Lewis Wheeler, Brenda Withers, and Jonathan Fielding.

Fresh from a string of sold-out performances of Hedda Gabler, the newly minted Harbor Stage Company launches the second production of its inaugural season, with a Church, a meditation on religion and ritual.

Helmed by founding member Brenda Withers, the play reflects the upstart company's affinity for the most daring scripts and compelling voices on the contemporary theatrical landscape.

Part revivalist meeting, part revolution, Church unfolds as a structured—if at times surreal—religious service led by a traveling troupe of charismatic reverends. Written by playwright Young Jean Lee as an attempt to reconcile a life-long struggle with her Evangelical background, the piece offers an honest, affectionate look at the complexities of religious and non-religious thought.  

Through music, dance, and traditional storytelling, the play both celebrates and upends the belief systems we hold dear.  

The Harbor Stage Company production will feature company members and co-founders Amanda Collins, Jonathan Fielding and Brenda Withers, as well as Harbor newcomer Amie Lytle, a New York-based actor whose credits include work with Shakespeare & Company and the Atlantic.  

Behind the scenes, Church will benefit from the technical talents of lighting designer John Malinowski (American Reperatory Theater, New Rep) and resident stage manager Alaina Sciascia.  

About Harbor Stage

After taking control of the seaside stage formerly operated by the Wellfleet Harbor Actor’s Theater in January, the Harbor Stage Company announced its intention to return to an artist-run operation to the iconic space. When not performing, directing, or designing, the six founding members double as the company’s administrators, manning the box office, sweeping the floors, securing donations, and ensuring an overall operation that prioritizes the artistic process.  

"Our mission is simple: to prioritize quality, to present texts that are sharp, meaningful, and challenging. This allows us to embrace classics and avant-garde works alike. It keeps us engaged as artists, and offers a broad spectrum of styles and ideas to our incredible community," said Fielding.
Church