Dartmouth's newest drama troupe, Pretty How Town Productions, was created for two reasons: to increase student involvement and to benefit charity.
In the words of its founder, Andy Hatcher '99, "I had this two-part idea: one was to encourage more student drama, the other was to create a philanthropic acting company that would raise money for local charities."
Even the title of the drama troupe enforces the idea of more student involvement in campus drama. The name comes from a line in an e.e cummings poem which reads: "Everyone lives in a pretty how town ..." For Hatcher, the "pretty how town" is a dramatic environment that is more inclusive and welcoming for Dartmouth students.
Although he was struck with this inspiration while sitting in class during his Sophomore Summer, Hatcher waited until he returned to campus this Winter term to file the necessary papers and go through the procedures that are integral to attaining Committee on Student Organizations sponsorship.
Since the beginning of the term, he has been writing the troupe's constitution, looking for a faculty advisor (he found Framji Minwalla of the drama department) and garnering support from fellow drama colleagues. By the time the troupe received COSO support, Hatcher was ready to audition and prepare How Town Production's first play.
Hence, this Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. in Collis Common Ground, "Know Thyself," by Frenchman Paul Hervieu, will be performed by the six member cast, and will be accompanied by the Jazz Quartet.
Ironically, Hatcher discovered "Know Thyself" in a book that he had to use as a prop in "Arcadia," last spring's Mainstage play. Auditions for "Know Thyself" were held shortly after Hatcher was informed that How Town Productions had received COSO support and funding.
An impressive and encouraging pool of 26 actors turned out to audition. The six-member cast is comprised of Hatcher, Carter Jackson '98, Brenda Withers '00, Sasho Emlen '00, Kristin Hagstrom '98 and Matt Gordon '98.
"Know Thyself" is a Heiden language play written in the 1950s. It is about six people: a general, his wife, their real son, their adopted son, the general's cousin and his wife, along with the relationships that develop between them.
"The main questions asked by the play are: when you are attracted to someone can you deny that?" Hatcher said. "And how do you define an irresistible passion?"
The audience will not be charged an entrance fee, but during intermission donations will be requested of the audience. After the show the cast will decide which local charity they wish to give the money to.
Although the Winter term's Mainstage play, "Killing Game," will also be opening this weekend, everyone is encouraged to attend both drama productions.
Hatcher's main goal in creating How Town Productions was to create a venue for all interested Dartmouth students to act in. He believes that the drama department does produce enough plays for the number of students who have shown interest, but he also knows, both personally and intuitively, that there are a number of students on this campus who may have acted in high school but have put aside their dramatic tendencies since coming to Dartmouth.
"This is for all students who want to get involved, who have always wanted to act, or even already have acted," Hatcher said. "This is another opportunity for student involvement in drama."
How Town Productions can be as big or as small as the demand requires, but Hatcher hopes to progress to a point where the troupe can sponsor many shows at once. Basically, "We control our own destinies," he said. The time commitment is as intense or as lax as each person in the group wishes it to be.
The philosophy behind Hatcher's brainchild is relatively simple, but also very profound. "I think the drama department can be intimidating for students, not because of the department, but because this is college, but [How Town Productions] is for anyone who hasn't been in drama yet, as well as for those who have. Just come out and give it a shot."
