The Secret Garden
April 2023 - Timpanogos Valley Theatre
“Orphaned in India, 11-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. The estate's many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the ‘Dreamers,’ spirits from Mary's past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden's compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.”
From Concord Theatricals
My goal for The Secret Garden was to blend the literal setting of the story, grounded in reality, with the rich inner experiences of Mary Lennox and her Uncle Archie. The script features frequent flashbacks and images of the departed Dreamers, seamlessly embedded within the story. Distinguishing the literal events taking place from the almost fantastical visions of the dead, without disrupting the flow of the text, was crucial. I utilized specific colors and angles to separate the world of the Dreamers, often with the effect of partially obscuring their faces or painting them in otherworldly color. I also followed Mary’s journey throughout the play, as she moves from despair to joy, with gradually increasing brightness and warmth.
