Quote of the Day: Dare to declare who you are. It is not far from the shores of silence to the boundaries of speech. The path is not long, but the way is deep. You must not only walk there, you must be prepared to leap. Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)

Theatre Elision’s regional premiere of In the Green, the story of Hildegard von Bingen, is a must-see during Women’s History Month. I didn’t know much about Hildegard going into the show, only what I read in the promos and program notes, and I was intrigued. At the tender age of 8, she was given to the church to be raised and influenced by the nuns at the monastery of Disibodenberg. She lived in a cell with Jutta von Sponheim. It was a grim existence. When Jutta died, Hildegard chose to leave her solitude and embraced a more moderate life. She created a better environment for other women in the convent, and was a renowned writer and speaker. Grace McLean is the creator of this fascinating production, which premiered off-Broadway in 2019.

The three Hildegards and Jutta in Theatre Elision’s In the Green, thru 3/9/24. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson. Cover Photo: Photo by Jolie Morehouse Olson
Graphic by Christine Wade

When Hildegard’s parents bring her to the church, she is broken. She hasn’t spoken since her older sister Agatha died. The death was traumatic for Hildegard. Three actors play different parts of Hildegard, her Hand (Abilene Olson), her Eye (Annie Schiferl) and her Mouth (Deidre Cochran). They each have a part to play in telling Hildegard’s story, sometimes separately, but mostly as a unit. The choreography for these three performers was fascinating. At times, they moved in perfect synchronicity. 

Jutta and her Shadow, in Theatre Elision’s production of In the Green, thru 3/9/24. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

Christine Wade (founding director of Theatre Elision) plays Jutta, and is also the vocal director. Some of her songs and story are separate from Hildegard, but often they are an integral part of who she is and her influence on the younger woman. Emily Hensley plays her Shadow, the darkness within her, the broken parts that she has tried to bury. One of the most beautiful songs is when the parts of Hildegard sing to Jutta , telling her that she is the light. I also loved the interaction between Jutta and her Shadow in their songs. 

The Shadow and the three Hildegards in Theatre Elision’s production of In the Green, thru 3/9/24. Photo: Jolie Morehouse Olson

In the Green is an emotional and powerful theatrical piece. My overall feeling was sadness for the little eight-year-old Hildegard who probably thought she got sent away because she’d done something bad. I also felt sadness for women who are locked away and silenced, forced to suppress their feelings and take the blame for crimes committed against them. But, there is also light and hope in this story, with a message that, while it takes great courage, it is healing to dig up those old wounds and to share them. To see them is to heal them, and in doing so you can help others find their voice and freedom.

The performances by these five women is stunning. Their voices blend beautifully in these haunting melodies and harmonies. They are accompanied by a three piece band lead by Harrison Wade, also on keys. Erik Schee on percussion, and Jeff Miller on Bass. Lindsay Fitzgerald directs this stunning production. Assistant Director and Movement by Madeline Wall. 

You can see In the Green at the Elision Playhouse through March 9, 2024. This is a thought-provoking and emotional musical that will promote discussion. I recommend bringing a friend who will discuss it with you after you see it. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Who are some of the women that you admire?