Phyl Charnes plays Dorothea in our upcoming production of Eleemosynary. Here’s what she has to say about the experience.
“Imagine the absolute delight—and challenge—of being another person, an imaginary person! How might you convince others that you are, indeed, that other person. Actors try to do that.
Imagine, also, however, that before the realization of that delight, actors must discover everything about that imaginary someone else. Actors try to do that also. How? By peering deeply into their inner selves—by discovering how they can identify, believably and honestly, with the character they wish to become. I’ve tried, and I’ve delighted in the effort.
Like my character, Dorothea, I am a mother, a grandmother, a widow—and aged. And Dorothea and I have great fun with life. Unlike my character, Dorothea, I teach English classes at Fairmont State University, summer Theatre classes as Salem International University, various swim classes at the YMCA, and I have traveled to at least fifty countries.”
Among the many roles Phyl has played on stage her favorites include Thelma in ‘Night, Mother, Ethel in On Golden Pond, Lil in Kindertransport, Amanda in The Glass Menagerie, and Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. And she has twice won the best actress award in the Pittsburgh New Works Festival, one for a role in which she never spoke a line!