In this episode, host Darnelle Radford speaks with Ross Beschler about the Wilma Theater's final production of the season, A Summer Day, written by Jan Fosse. They discuss the unique Hothouse ensemble experience, the themes of love, loss, and memory in the play, and the challenges of communication and language in expressing deep emotions. The conversation highlights the importance of ensemble work and the artistic journey of the Hothouse members. In this conversation, Ross Beschler and Darnelle Radford explore the themes of language, memory, identity, and the dynamics of relationships through the lens of the play 'A Summer Day' by Jan Fossa. They discuss how exaggeration in language can shape perceptions, the role of characters in navigating crises, and the importance of introspection versus action in understanding oneself and others. The conversation delves into the complexities of memory and how it influences identity, as well as the societal challenges of understanding and miscommunication. Ultimately, they reflect on the human experience and the significance of connection in the face of life's uncertainties.
A SUMMER DAY
BY JON FOSSE
TRANSLATED BY SARAH CAMERON SUNDE
DIRECTED BY YURY URNOV
June 10–29, 2025
Experience the haunting beauty of Norwegian playwright Jon Fosse’s A Summer Day, directed by inventive Co-Artistic Director Yury Urnov (Mr. Burns, Minor Character, 12th Night) in a production that delves into the depths of human connection, memory, and existential longing. Is there one day in your past you keep replaying again and again? When do we start spending more time in the past than in the present? Through Fosse’s poetic language and Urnov’s innovative direction and immersive visual design, audiences are transported into an epic and intimate world where past and present intertwine, inviting reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the eternal search for meaning. Often referred to as a modern-day Ibsen, Fosse won a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2023 – one of the few playwrights to ever receive that honor – and is rarely produced in the United States.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Wilma Theater and A Summer Day
02:40 The Hothouse Experience and Ensemble Work
11:30 Exploring the Play: A Summer Day
17:24 Themes of Love, Loss, and Memory
20:30 Language and Communication in A Summer Day
24:30 The Power of Language and Exaggeration
26:41 Character Dynamics and Intrusions
29:58 Memory and Identity in Relationships
32:00 Understanding and Misunderstanding in Society
36:45 Introspection vs. Action
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