A Glimpse Into the Mind of a Theatrical and Literary Arts Lover

The dramatic arts have always illuminated a creative, introspective side of me that continues to be fulfilled through singing, acting, reading plays, and watching musicals. Especially within the past year, I have come to appreciate just how emotionally affective and cathartic each art form truly is. Despite the strife and stress, the trials and tribulations, each artistic endeavor I have pursued has proffered me some of the greatest rewards—sometimes in the least expected ways possible. I have grown in wisdom and confidence. I have gained clarity and insight. I have become more empathetic and attuned to the thoughts and feelings of others. I know my own self better and form friendships and bonds in a unique way. I look for meaning amongst madness and for subtle details amongst everything obvious. I better understand complexity of emotion, nuance of expression, and depth of impact. I feel deeply and think clearly. I strengthen my own sense of character and develop my own voice. Ultimately, being and becoming an artist is closely tied to my identity.     

Writing, too, has always been linked to my identity, purpose, and character. It is often said that the basis of all theater lies within the text/script/playwright’s “world” itself—a reality that essentially connects the theatrical and literary arts. Both creative writing and theater deal with technique, imagination, emotion, intuition, and character. Writing takes what is internal and makes it external. Cyclically, theater takes all of the ideas and themes from a given piece of writing and utilizes its tangible forms of presentation to emphasize new perceptions on the same, original, internal thoughts. Together, writing and theater harmoniously work to educate, inspire, unite, and emotionally move both the artists and the audiences.  

My character piece found below was inspired by an assignment I had during my freshman year of high school. After reading Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, my class was required to create several blog posts from the first-person point of view of a character of our choosing. I loved the project, as it allowed me to do what I had always done on stage: I could imaginatively adopt the persona, voice, circumstances, and characteristics of someone else. I could take what was already given to me on the page and fuse it together with what I envisioned could happen beyond the events of the story. This was something that I wanted to create a space for on the website. By utilizing what I’ve learned throughout my courses, lessons, and training in English, Media, and Drama, I was able to have fun with combining my artistic merit with the voice of a beloved character: Marianne Dashwood from Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. I was able to put a unique spin on and insert my own tone and voice into something, or someone, already well-established with personality, context, and circumstances. I was able to channel my own energy while “becoming” someone else at the same time, and I was able to briefly tap into that “creative space”—the place where I feel safe, alive, inspired, and most at home.   

Dearest readers, 

I daresay it has been far too long since you last paid us a visit here at Vermilion’s website! Honestly, I am deeply wounded in the heart that you would produce so great an insult—almost as saddened as I was the day I found Willoughby to be abrasive in conduct and deceptive in character! However, ladies and gentlemen, you have fortunately received the grace and good favor of my dear elder sister, Elinor. She insists that I regard your situation with good sense and that I extend forgiveness in light of your charming nature and impeccable literary talent. Indeed, I shall, dear readers. 

Oh, oh! This rainy weather has certainly put me in a bit of a foul mood, but I suppose it warrants me the chance to retire to the warmth of the living room for some light reading. Now, if you care to follow suit, please kindly indulge us and continue to write, continue to express yourselves, and continue to be artists. Oh my word! I simply cannot fathom going one more minute without reading your work, pondering your processes, and engaging in literary discourse! ...Oh, dear me. I suppose I’ve let my emotions get the better of me, again. But, contrary to what dear Elinor believes, I believe it to be of utmost importance that one approaches life with due sensibility. After all, how else would one be expected to fall in love? Now, now, my dears, I fully expect that you will employ this same sensibility through your literary work. Write about love. Write about family. Write about your feelings! Hopes! Dreams! Desires! Goodness, it is high time I read something riveting for the soul and moving for the heart! 

Oh! I beg your pardon, but I must take my leave. My sisters have informed me that we now have visitors calling for afternoon tea. However, I sincerely and gratefully thank you for your good company. Do let us know if you ever come to call at Barton Cottage! Until we meet again, dear readers! 

Sincerely, 

Ms. Marianne Dashwood

December 2021