By Liz Eichler
In her inaugural production as artistic director, Bridget Leak claims her leadership with Camp Siegfried, a stirring and impactful choice for the Know Theatre’s new season. There’s a new “Queen of the Hill” at Cincinnati’s Theatrical Playground.
Camp Siegfried is a Regional Premiere
Camp Siegfried, was penned by Bess Wohl (who also wrote the laugh-out-loud “Grand Horizons”). This play is not a comedy, but there are a few laughs. Primarily, it is a great script by someone who is familiar with being an outsider, looking for a purpose, looking for connection. It is written in a series of vignettes. The multifaceted characters emerge slowly–as well as the work of indoctrination on these young brains.
This is a profound and complex piece, and Leak chose it specifically as her first statement. FYI, Leak speaks fluent German (and French) and the language is key. Moreover, Wohl’s script is perfectly suited to Leak’s thoughtful direction. Every word feels charged with intention. The script is powerful, yet simple.
The Plot
Camp Siegfried is a non-sentimental coming-of-age story. Two teens meet at a German summer camp on Long Island. (Yes, in the 1930’s many Hitler Youth camps operated around the US, with a large number in NJ, PA WI and NY. Read this NPR article for more background.) From first meeting to the conclusion, their relationship is handled with delicacy. These two young, confused souls, trying to plot their future–with great hope. But they are the underdogs in an alpha dog camp. He is referred to as “the runt” by his father, and every time he calls her “dummy” it chafes, and predicts toxicity.
Director and Performances
In her directorial debut at Know Theatre, Leak shows her skill at creative decisions – from the casting to the set design – reveal a director who’s thinking both strategically and artistically. The use of space and movement of the characters is both simple, fluid, yet complex. We see the power dynamic between Him and Her see-saw back and forth.
Katie Scarlett has proven herself a force in Cincinnati’s theater scene before, but her performance here as “Her” takes it to a new level. She navigates the emotional range required with precision, bringing humor, fragility, and strength to her portrayal. Aaron Schilling plays “Him” with a restraint that makes his more explosive moments all the more impactful.
Design Team
The design and technical aspects of the production are impressive. For the first time in years, Know Theatre did a call for lighting and scenery designers. Miami University Theatre Professor Marly Wooster answered the call. Her lighting design creates a dynamic atmosphere, subtly shifting the mood as the characters’ inner lives unravel on a very simple set. Danielle Robison is a capable scenery and props designer. (Some of those props may have been hard to find!)
You know the work of Doug Borntrager and his brilliant show-making projections and sound design. Standing ovation for you, Doug. Your “crowd” hits. Noelle Wedig-Johnson’s period-appropriate costumes add a finishing touch of authenticity. (It appears “Her” character actually has a slip on.) Erin Carr’s intimacy work helps actors provide the space for the actors to be authentic.
Themes in Camp Siegfried
Camp Siegfried resonates in a chillingly relevant way. While it doesn’t actively focus on the current or 1938 political agenda, it shows how far-right (or far left) information silos actively create barriers and therefore societal issues and harmful delusions. Add to that the natural confusion and youth seeking approval as well as their own truth, and you have a powerful story.
Overall
Bridget Leak’s leadership at Know Theatre is off to a brilliant start, and if Camp Siegfried is any indication, we have a season ahead of us that will be daring, thought-provoking, and beautifully executed. Even the physical space is looking new at Know Theatre. The lobby and bar areas are cleaner and less cluttered. A new era has begun.
Tickets to Camp Siegfried
Camp Siegfried runs through September 28th. Purchase tickets online at the Know Box Office. Keep in mind these special Performances:
- Welcome Wednesdays: September 18 & 25, 7:30pm (Pay what you can)
- Understudy Scenes: Friday, September 20, 7:30pm (Scenes begin post show)
- Artist/Service Industry Night: Monday, September 23, 7:30pm
- ASL Interpreted: Friday, September 27, 7:30pm
- Closing: Saturday, September 28, 7:30pm
