On the Arts

Maggie Ray’s chapbook, Superstitions of the Mid-Atlantic, will be published by Poetry Society of America.

Poetry Society Lauds Ray

English teacher Maggie Ray is one of four winners of the Poetry Society of America’s (PSA) annual Chapbook Fellowship competition. (A chapbook is a collection of poetry typically fewer than forty pages and often centered on a specific subject.) Ray’s chapbook, Superstitions of the Mid-Atlantic, will be published by the PSA. “This is one of the major national chapbook competitions and an enormous – and well-earned

– honor,” said Chris Cunningham P’14 ’18, assistant head of school and dean of faculty.

PSA’s mission is to build a larger and more diverse audience for poetry, to encourage a deeper appreciation of the vitality and breadth of poetry in the cultural conversation, to support poets through an array of programs and awards, and to place poetry at the crossroads of American life.

‘It was COLONEL Mustard, with a mask…’

Periwig offers a ‘Clue’ how to do live theater in the pandemic era.

The lights are still dimmed on Broadway, but they were shining brightly in the Kirby Arts Center in October when the Periwig Club presented a live production of Clue: On Stage. The show, a stage version of the 1985 black comedy-mystery film Clue (which was based on the murder-mystery board game of the same name), was also viewable via livestream.

Producing a play during a pandemic brought unique challenges. The cast and crew were slightly smaller than usual to allow for social distancing both backstage and on stage, according to Matt Campbell, director of theatre. Performers were required to wear masks, but the familiar facial covers included clear material over their mouths, making them visible and allowing fuller facial expressions to register with other actors and the audience.

Periwig veteran Zach Finacchio ’21 was initially disappointed that the club wouldn’t be permitted to perform its usual fall musical (the CDC determined months ago that singing carries a higher risk of particle transmission than speaking), but said the experience quickly became memorable.

“Clue not only carries the energy and pace of a traditional musical but has also provided some of the greatest cast-bonding memories amidst major obstacles,” said Finacchio, who played Wadsworth the butler. “By far, Clue has been one of the most challenging productions I have ever done.”

A technician on the deck crew, Tiffany Wen ’23, said her behind-the-scenes work was unlike any she had previously undertaken.

“One of the biggest changes for me is wiping down all the props and furniture with Clorox before the show, something I never needed to do last year,” said Wen, who added that all crew members needed to wear rubber gloves and POM contact-tracing devices. “It helped me see how much work goes into putting on a show, and how much commitment each person puts in to help the show be a success.”