The Director's Note for "Eleemosynary"

Director's Note:

I first saw Eleemosynary (pronounced: el-uh-MOS-uh-ner-ee) in Manalapan (South) Florida back in the early 90’s. I was an undergraduate theatre major at Palm Beach Atlantic University and had called the Pope Theatre box office to ask if they had student rush tickets. When they said no, I revealed my lack of funds as a university student and my passion to see live professional theatre. I explained that I was dedicated to my craft and that having the opportunity to see quality productions was part of an important educational experience. I made some friends at the box office that day, and they gave me a complimentary ticket and a true demonstration of the word “eleemosynary.” I saw several shows at the Pope Theatre...complimentary.

The Pope Theatre is the type of theatre I would like to see ECTC grow up to be. A type of theatre that produces quality, thought- provoking pieces both contemporary and classical, and always challenging and inspiring our audience. I think we are setting a great foundation.

When I saw Eleemosynary it had a profound effect on me. Though it is a play about three generations of women, the through line speaks to me. There is a verse in the Torah that talks about the “sins of the father being passed down to the third and fourth generation.” This play speaks to that very concept. How are our habitual choices informed by those that preceded us? How do I discover the tendencies I have toward good or bad that have been ingrained in me from my father, and his father, and his father? Then, if I even recognize the negative patterns, do I have the power to make the necessary choices to change those things? Fertile ground for soul searching and reflection.

I personally relate to each of the characters in this story. Dorothea is searching for her truth, Artie is coming to terms with her past, and Echo is making choices about her future. Haven’t we all found ourselves in these same places? Looking for truth, resolving the past, and deciding what steps to take next. Dorothea says, “the dead are the dead and the living are the living.” I want to choose to live among the living.

Eleemosynary “of or pertaining to alms; charitable.” I hope that in the middle of all these choices I have as I live my life, I will approach all with charity.

Thank you for being part of ECTC and joining us on this journey of art, culture, and life.

Sincerely,

Nathanael Fisher

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