Standing strong on the South Bank in London, Byfield actor and director Paul Wann says Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is not only an Elizabethan wonder, but a theatrical harmony between the natural and civilized world.
With a roof that's open to the heavens, he says, it incorporates the simple, organic beauty of nature with the theatrical world of the stage.
This is the harmony that Wann hopes to achieve with his production of Henrik Ibsen's "Peer Gynt." Theater in the Open will perform its rendition of the Norwegian play starting this weekend on the fields of Maudslay State Park in Newburyport.
"It's some kind of primitive, rough, live theater," says Wann, who is directing the show. "What's going on at Theater in the Open is similar to the Globe. It's a rare and wonderful resource."
Although it's not often performed, Wann says "Peer Gynt," which he describes as the "great Norwegian 'Hamlet,'" is one of Ibsen's most celebrated works. It is the story of an anti-hero named Peer, whom Wann calls an "everyman" with whom audiences can easily identify.
The play follows him on a worldwide journey facing obstacles and themes regarding one's identity and relationships with, which is a recurring subject in Ibsen's works; and the meaning of life.
" 'Peer Gynt' is a riddle," Wann says.
Stepping into the role of Peer is Theater in the Open veteran Scott Smith, whose great-great-grandfather, a violinist, was a contemporary of Ibsen's. Knowing that Ibsen wrote many of his works with his contemporaries in mind, Smith said he feels passionately about taking on the part.
"It's something I have been looking forward to for years," Smith says.
For the seasoned Theater in the Open member, Wann says "Peer Gynt" has been no walk in the park. Staging many parts of the verse play — the original version of which is 3 1/2 hours long — has proven difficult. Theater in the Open's rendition clocks in at just two hours.
"The producing problems are immense," Wann says.
With settings varying from the Norwegian countryside to Morocco to Egypt, Wann has had to develop a method to make transitions and locations seem clear to the audience. The director was even faced with a scene to be set entirely in the dark. He credits Smith with turning the park dark with his performance.
As a solution for Peer's world traveling, a stage was built in the grassy area in Maudslay where the play will be set. Two-thirds of the play will take place in the natural setting of the park with the remaining third performed on the stage, a structure that will represent the various locations Peer travels throughout the play.
Another challenge, Smith said, is that Ibsen originally wrote the play to be read, not performed on a stage, which has required the company to make significant adaptations.
And for those listening for the famed companion musical suite by composer Edvard Grieg, expect a slightly different score. Cast member and music teacher Jessica Rybicki wrote and arranged original music for Theater in the Open's production.
Because the play presents various relationship subjects that may be difficult for youngsters to grasp, Wann recommends the show to those in the "double-digits," ages 10 and up.
"People will probably leave with a lot of questions," Smith says. "It's a play that you'll have to think about."
Despite the production challenges, Wann is confident his cast will deliver a memorable performance of a play that the Boston area has not seen in quite some time.
"It's wonderful and very, very exciting," he says. "(The company) has a sense of collaboration that is invaluable."
IF YOU GO
r What: Theater in the Open presents Henrik Ibsen's "Peer Gynt"
r When: Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 10 at 4 p.m.
r Where: Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. Park in the main lot across from the park headquarters and follow the flags to the play site, allowing for a 15-minute stroll.
r How: Tickets $8 adults, $5 children and seniors, children 3 and under free, except for this Saturday's opening-day performance, for which everyone is welcome for free (donations will be accepted). Call 978-465-2572 or visit www.theaterintheopen.org.
Role call
r Scott Smith of Newburyport, Peer
r Joe Heafitz of Newburyport, Aslak the blacksmith
r Matt Keily, 15, of Newburyport, Mads Moen
r Kelley Knight of Newburyport, Ingrid
r Allegra Larson, 13, of West Newbury, Solveig
r Spencer O'Doud of Haverhill, father of the bride
r Rory Pelsue of Newburyport, King of the Trolls
r James Sheridan, 13, of Amesbury, young man
r Peter Sheridan of Amesbury, Soveig's father
r Beth Randall of Newburyport, woman in green
r Jessica Rybicki of Amesbury, Ase Gynt
r Paul Wann of Byfield, director
r Taylor Adamik of Byfield, stage manager
r Bonnie-Jean Wilbur of Byfield, costumes
r Belle Struck of Byfield, art/design
