FIU Theatre is currently presenting “The Moors,” a play by Jen Silverman, at The Wertheim through November 23. The production explores themes of loneliness and isolation set on the English moors in the 1840s, drawing inspiration from the works of the Brontë sisters.
Director and assistant professor Melvin Huffnagle commented on the relevance of these themes: “This play is about loneliness and isolation. Coming out of Covid, a lot of people can understand and relate to that sense of yearning. These characters are yearning for human connection.”
The story centers on two sisters living in an isolated manor, accompanied only by their mastiff, their maids, and local birds. The arrival of a new governess from London disrupts their routine. Upon her arrival, Agatha, the older sister, warns: “The moors are a savage place, and we who live here, despite our attempts to cling to a modicum of civilization, find ourselves often forced to contend with savagery. Are you sure you’re up for the task, Miss Vangergaard?”
Kayla Santiago, an acting major at FIU Theatre who plays the governess Emilie Vangergaard, reflected on her character’s journey: “The play deals a lot with identity and figuring out who you are as a person and deciding to take the wheel on life. I love the moment when Emilie makes the switch and decides to choose herself instead of waiting for someone else to do it for her.”
Silverman’s script combines gothic elements such as stormy weather and mysterious strangers with humor and modern insights. The play also features subplots involving household pets—a mastiff and a wounded moorhen—whose relationship mirrors that of their human counterparts.
Elliot Eibe, a costume design major responsible for designing attire for this production, discussed his approach: “This period is defined by the corset. It was a very restrictive time for women, but at the same time they’re trying to break free from that restriction. It was fun playing with that opposition in the costumes.”
“The Moors” will continue its run at The Wertheim until November 23.
