between different points of view.”
In Magdalene, St. Germain creates a funny and surprising story that takes place 18 years after the death of Christ. Peter seeks out Mary Magdalene, whom he banished after the crucifixion because he needs an ally against a self-proclaimed Apostle angling for power in the growing church. St. Germain offers a startling look at two historical figures and the clash that impacts the course of Christianity.
How does a writer get into a character’ s head like Christ and Mary Magdalene to confidently— and effectively— tell their story?“ It ' s more than having an understanding of the character; you need to become the character,” says St. Germain.“ That can sound delusional and, in a way, it actually is. Once you begin writing, it becomes very clear quickly if you ' re able to speak in a character ' s voice, or you ' re forcing your own. You ' re not simply writing what you think a character would say; you ' re becoming the character and listening to what they say. When that thought process becomes instinctual, your character is writing the play, not you. Most of the plays I ' ve written begin with a question: Why did the person do what he or she did? In that way I ' m solving a mystery by writing it.”
Here is a rundown of the summer season, with performances that not only include getting into the heads of notable figures, but also telling stories in ways that will make this Berkshire theater season one to remember!
NILE SCOTT STUDIOS JIMMY IENNER, JR., FOR OLD MILL ROAD MEDIA
A smattering of live theater in the Berkshires. Center, Shake It Up! Cabaret at Shakespeare & Company. Clockwise from top left, Vanessa Becerra as Violetta Valéry in Berkshire Opera Festival’ s La Traviata; August Wilson’ s The Piano Lesson at Shakespeare & Company, co-produced with Actors’ Shakespeare Project; Mark St. Germain, whose Magdalene premieres at Chester Theatre; Pocket Moxie at The Foundry; and Chester Theatre’ s new co-artistic directors, Chris Baker and Michelle Ong-Hendrick.
May / June 2025 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 49
BLONNIE BROOKS WAGS MEDIA