The TCDS King Lear crew & cast.
Photo source: Ulis Bertin
A discussion with Trinity College Dramatic Society on its recent production
By Jackie Walker, Staff Writer
From October 18-20th, the Trinity College Dramatic Society (TCDS) put on an exciting performance of Shakespeare’s King Lear starring Trinity students, alumni, and non-Trinity students. This production brought the Trinity College and outside community together to share their love for drama, while reviving a time-old Trinity tradition: Trin in the Quad.
What used to be a frequent occurrence in Trinity culture, Trin in the Quad is when plays were performed in the quad. Coming to a halt a few years back, Ulis Bertin, producer and director of King Lear, was determined to give new life to this old flame.
“Trinity [in general] has had its traditions taken away out of fear and a good deal of shame [secret societies]” says Ulis.
Ever since its dissociation with secret society Episkopon, an elitist group which perpetuated ideas of racism, sexism, and public shaming, Trinity College has been weary of endorsing old Trinity traditions. While the college keeps a watchful eye over what activities are run by old Trinity clubs, Trinity students have lost out on some potentially meaningful and community building activities, such as that of theater.
Ulis believes that theatre at Trinity does not have to maintain elitism. Instead, it can become “an amazing way of showing all people that they can imagine, and create something entirely themselves and worthy of Trinity.”
Working tirelessly since August, Ulis and members of the TCDS hope that their performances can grow beyond Trinity’s harmful past and unite all students (in the quad) to appreciate the joys of being a part of such a historical, esteemed, and unique college.
King Lear
King Lear is a tragedy about a King who divides his kingdom between two of his daughters, who insincerely praise and flatter him, while banishing the third daughter who truly loves him. When his two daughters ruling the kingdom reject him, King Lear goes mad and wanders through a storm, eventually reuniting with his third daughter in exile.
The TDCS production’s “bare” and minimalist visual style, with simple costumes and props, foregrounds the performance itself. Setting the play outdoors encourages the audience to acknowledge the greeneries surrounding them, which are accentuated by elaborate lighting and sound setup. This reinforces King Lear’s message about our connection to nature and how, when “we lose everything [status, positions, morals, and power], we are oppressed by nature and have nothing but ourselves.”
Given the success of King Lear, the TDCS wishes to create more Trin in the Quad productions. Ulis plans to continue writing, producing, and working with these actors.
“Trin in the Quad and this feature of King Lear shows that this is what happens when you allow [for] Trinity tradition[s].” Ulis says. “The funds and the buildings are there. The traditions are there lying asleep and it’s important to know that people can awaken the right ones.”
Themes of tradition and prestige eche those of King Lear. To be productive, these social constructs must be grounded in openness and genuine human connections, which TCDS aims to foster.
Follow TCDS on Instagram @trinlovestheatre.
