Pacific Index

From 1588 to Now: A Timeless Tale of Love and Identity

By Vivian McCullough

“Ridiculous,” is the word junior co-lead MJ Beaumont uses to describe Pacific’s upcoming theater production, Galatea. 

From the original work of John Lyly, Oregon playwright MJ Kaufman and director Christine Freije adapted the piece into a compelling stage production. Originally published in 1588, the story maintains an air of modernity and relatability. Galatea tells the story of a town forced to sacrifice beautiful maidens. In an attempt to protect their daughters, two fathers disguise the maidens as boys, sending the girls to find sanctuary in the forest. When the two girls meet in the woods, neither realizes the other’s true identity, and the pair begin to form a deep connection.

The play follows two characters that struggle to understand their feelings while maintaining their disguises. Mischievous gods, misunderstandings, and dialogue add humor to the mythological setting. The story is brought to life with forest inspired sets and cool costume changes, transporting the audience into the world of Galatea. 

   “This story is great for anyone who loves another person,” says Beaumont. “It shows a great amount of love. It also touches on self identity, which is great for anyone at any age.” With themes of self-discovery, love, and expectations, this play resonates with anyone navigating identity or personal relationships.

   The other co-lead, Rachel Kaufman, shares her perspective saying, “I think it can be dangerous to love, or be a certain way when the world tells you it’s wrong. But the world can’t take that away from you, and this play is a celebration of that.”

   Even with only seven cast members, the story is dynamically portrayed. They each take on multiple roles from gods to villagers. For Beaumont and the rest of the cast, the narrative’s emotional core is what sets this play apart. “In my opinion, the best thing you can do is experience art by other people– we’ve put a lot of work into this, and theater is a great way to experience art,” Beaumont explains. 

   Although it was written more than 400 years ago, Galatea is still a relevant story. Beaumont describes the show as “ridiculous” in the best way possible. This show is ridiculously heartwarming, ridiculously vibrant, and ridiculously modern.

   Galatea opens Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 pm in the Tom Miles Theater, in Warner Hall. The play will be shown through the March 14.