David Seaman | Echo
C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud never met in real life, but they will appear as characters onstage beginning Sept. 5 in "Freud's Last Session" - the first Taylor Theatre production of the year. These two were both immensely influential. One helped shape Christian apologetics for the 20th century and beyond, while the other defined psychoanalysis for a new generation. They come from different backgrounds and have different beliefs: Lewis an atheist-turned-Christian and Freud a strong agnostic.
The play is based on the book "The Question of God" by Armand Nicholi Jr. and written by Mark St. Germain. Set on the day England entered World War II in 1939, "Freud's Last Session" revolves around a fictional dialogue between a young Lewis and a close-to-death Freud. The two men discuss their thoughts on religion, love, sex and the existence of God. Surprisingly, they find some common ground despite coming to opposite conclusions in their search for truth in life.
Jessica Rousselow-Winquist, chair of the communication department, is directing the production. She first saw the play during its run in New York. Rousselow-Winquist believed the Taylor campus might benefit from a play that examines questions of faith and reason.
"I thought it had content that fit Taylor's theater and touched on the human condition," Rousselow-Winquist said. "This particular play talks about the search for truth and meeting and finding and not finding."
English professor Joe Ricke agreed. "This play is not what is called 'Christian triumphalism,' which is condescending Christianity and a 'I'm right-you're wrong' mentality. "Freud's Last Session" allows for equal conversation between the two that makes you think and feel. These men both had hurt and brokenness in their lives, and this play allows for true emotion to come out of intellectual conversation."Ricke pointed out that the men had similarities, such as hatred of their fathers and an interest in mythology.
Ricke stars as Freud in the production. He has starred in previous Taylor productions before, including last year's student-directed play "Red." Ricke believes an actor must invest in a character's motivations to play him or her right.
"You can't go in playing a character like Freud and on the side think, 'I totally disagree with everything he stands for.' You have to find reasons for his motivations, and he makes valid points."
Math professor Matt DeLong will play C.S. Lewis. DeLong has experience in musicals such as Taylor's "A Christmas Carol" two years ago, where he played Mr. Fezziwig. For DeLong, who bears a slight resemblance to the apologist, there are necessary preparations for a role like this.
"I had to practice my English Oxford accent," DeLong said, trying out his best British tones. "There are sliding tones. It moves up and down and from the back of the mouth."
DeLong has been reading many of Lewis' books and a new biography called "C.S. Lewis: A Life." He has also been listening to Lewis's wartime broadcasts. "He has more of a baritone than me," DeLong said.
DeLong saw the production in Santa Monica, Calif. "I thought the production was more into the realm of ideas than to real humanity," he said.
DeLong hopes Taylor's production will be more human as well as intellectual.
"The play is about the capacity of everyone to feel deeply, including Lewis and Freud. It examines the problem of evil and pain, which was the most important question to Lewis," DeLong said. For him, this is a Lewis before "Mere Christianity," one who still has a more intellectual look on evil and pain. "Later on he discovers more emotion from the heart. It is interesting to see their different takes on God. Freud thought he never found Him and Lewis thought he did."
Taylor theater will present "Freud's Last Session" on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 5-6, at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the Box Office located in the Department of Communication Office or by calling 765-998-5289.
A minimum donation is encouraged for the Jason Francis Memorial Scholarship Fund. All proceeds will go to the fund. Talk-backs discussing major themes from the show will be offered after each performance.
