Interview: Kaitlyn Harrington on connecting with ELEEMOSYNARY at Rollins College

Eleemosynary is now a word I use in my daily vocabulary after learning about this play at Rollins College's Fred Stone Theatre. Written by Lee Blessing, it is the story of three strong women with distinct character traits. I had a chance to chat with student director Kaitlyn Harrington about her process and about ELEEMOSYNARY.

Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been going to Rollins and what is your major? How many shows have you directed at Rollins?

I have been going to Rollins for four years now, and I am still in denial that this is my senior year. I am a Theatre Arts major with an emphasis in Directing and Stage Management. In addition to directing Eleemosynary in the Fred Stone Theatre, I was the assistant director for A PIECE OF MY HEART in the Annie Russell Theatre last spring!

Phew! that is a hard word to say, how do you even pronounce eleemosynary and what does it mean to the production?

It definitely is a tricky one! Eleemosynary is pronounced "el·ee·mos·y·nar·y" in the dictionary, and it means "of or pertaining to alms; charitable". In addition to this word being Echo's favorite, it also serves as the overall theme of the play.

I'm not familiar with this play, how would you describe the plot?

It is a hidden gem, which is another reason why I am excited to share this story! The play follows three generations of extraordinary women over several decades. Echo, the youngest, is an exceptional speller; Artie, her mother, is a brilliant scientist with an eidetic memory; and Dorothea, her grandmother, is an eccentric who believes people can fly!

It sounds like these women are very eclectic and strong characters. As a director, how did you inspire your actresses to commit to these characters while maintaining what was written for them?

These women have had a special place in my heart since I first read the play eight years ago! As a director, I strive to be as collaborative as possible. I have cherished the process with my three actresses because we all have the same love and appreciation for these women and Lee Blessing's writing. I continue to remind my women to tell the story Blessing has graced us with, but to also tell our own version of the story. In doing so, we inspire each other every day and we hope to inspire others as well.

Do you find yourself connecting with any one particular character in the show?

I connect to all the women for different reasons, but I think the thing that hits closest to home for me is that these women struggle with loving themselves and loving each other due to all the pain they have endured in their lifetime. I think everyone can relate to that on some level.

Why should audiences come to see Eleemosynary?

This play is one of the most genuine and relatable pieces of art I have had the pleasure of discovering. It reminds me of what is important in life, and I hope our audiences leave with a newly found perspective in their lives as well.

Thank you so much for your time.

ELEEMOSYNARY runs until October 28 at the Fred Stone Theatre at Rollins College. For tickets and more information visit http://www.rollins.edu/annie-russell-theatre/fred-stone-theatre/index.html.

Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Harrington Headshot