Theatre AUG is bringing the beloved children’s book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate to life in a fresh and engaging way. This adaptation centers on Red, an oak tree who serves as a “wishtree” for a tight-knit community. Neighbors hang their wishes on Red’s branches, fostering a sense of hope and connection.
Directed by Melanie Kitchens O’Meara, an associate professor at Augusta University, the play showcases themes of friendship and community. O’Meara explains her excitement about the challenge. “Creating a narrator tree involved not overburdening one performer,” she said. The solution? Five actors will portray different parts of Red, including roots, trunk, and branches.
O’Meara also recognizes the importance of this story in light of Hurricane Helene’s devastation to the local area. She noted, “This narrative resonates deeply, especially after the community experienced heavy tree loss.” To bring the community together, O’Meara plans to designate a tree on campus where people can leave their wishes during the play’s run.
Antonio Fernandez, a student playing Red’s trunk, shared the sentiment: “Our production aims to bring joy back to a community recovering from loss.”
Mia Dickens, who plays a limb of Red, emphasized how working with younger actors from Episcopal Day School has enriched the experience. “Seeing the children’s excitement has made us feel more connected to the larger community,” she said.
This production is particularly relevant today. According to a 2022 survey by the Arbor Day Foundation, 73% of Americans believe that trees have a positive impact on their mental well-being. The sense of community fostered by climate-focused projects and the arts has seen a noticeable uptick, especially following environmental disasters.
The play will run from March 13-16 at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre. It’s free for students and offers affordable tickets for the public. Such accessibility helps ensure that the community can come together and experience the power of storytelling rooted in friendship and hope.
For more details about the performance, check out the Theatre AUG website.
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