An acting teacher rediscovers
By Burl Burlingame
a love of performing on the
Kennedy Theatre stage
Star-BulletinNot exactly "ill met by moonlight, proud Titania," although Titania was still chuffing with adrenaline in the late hours following a dress rehearsal of the University of Hawaii's new production of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Amy Utstein, who plays Titania, checks her costume
just one more time before going on stage for a
dress rehearsal Tuesday night.
Amy Utstein, who plays the Queen of the Fairies in the Terence Knapp-directed play, has every right to be breathless. She's flying through the university like a rocket. Previously a graduate student and instructor at the University of California, Berkeley, Utstein is completing her Master of Fine Arts program in three semesters instead of the usual six, plus teaching acting classes for the Department of Theatre and Dance, PLUS directing "What's Your Sign," 12 playlets connected by the zodiac.
Whew.
But back to "Midsummer" ... "It's a fairly traditional production, although the costume designer has drawn influences from all over," said Utstein. "It's not set in any particular time or place, other than the region of dreams, and we're not affecting any accents other than our natural ones. It's Shakespeare, so the words count and have to be clear."
Utstein auditioned for the part motivated, she said, by a notion that as an acting teacher she needs to practice what she teaches.
"I auditioned, got a part and discovered that I'd really missed acting a lot. There is something about diving into a character that's really freeing. I don't get a chance much to be playful in real life, and Titania is especially playful as a character. I even get to do some dancing!
"And there's something nice about focusing solely on acting, and acting alone. As a director and teacher, you've got to be everywhere and be on top of everything, so you're scattered in your concentration."
What's interesting about acting, said Utstein, is that "in some ways you set your own limits, and then go past them. Performing is a way of discovering yourself."
It's either good timing or good marketing to do a Shakespeare play just when there are so many Shakespeare films on the market. Was this deliberate?
"Oh, I don't know about that. There have always been Shakespeare films. One always comes out every few years. They have the best poetry, the wonderful characters, the universal themes. How can anyone resist? Directors are drawn to that."
In addition to teaching three classes of beginning acting, Utstein is taking classes in Mask and Puppetry, and Kabuki Voice. Her efforts later this semester will be concentrated on "What's Your Sign?" and she is delighted with the 12 playlets written for it by local playwrights.
"It ranges all over, from slapstick to emotional to dramatic. We're trying everything! From the director's point of view it's sensational. I hope it's interesting to watch for the audience as well."
Utstein will be moving back to California after this semester -- her significant other is a musician whose career is on hold while she polishes off that MFA. "We need to go to Los Angeles, where I'll teach acting and direct," she said. "I really love teaching."
What about the call of Hollywood?
"So many ask that," sighed Utstein. "It does pay good money. But you know, film is very different from the live stage, and that's where my heart is. There's something so 'alive' about theater; it lives for the moment. Film work is more ... industrial. Bits here and there, and hope it's put together properly later.
"On stage, it's more dangerous and adventuresome, and nothing is ever done the same way twice. And you connect to the people in the audience, one-on-one. Theater is an exciting place, a crazy place, a place I can spend my life."
Amy, it's getting late. Say good night. And so, "the iron tongue of midnight hath told twelve;
Lovers, to bed; 'tis almost fairy time."
That Shakespeare, he was on to something.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
On stage: 8 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 14-16; 2 p.m. Oct. 17
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