I have a fascination with umbrellas on stage. Perhaps it is the force of nature they represent or the uncontrollable human experiences they mirror.

I love seeing them in color like a red one amidst neutral ones, or the green huddle used in Peter and the Starcatcher. I also enjoy the monochromatic bouquet variety like the black ones used to represent the funeral in Act 3 of Our Town.

The theater grabs the real life “caught in the rain” moments and captivates the audience through a universal recognition of such experiences. I’m most interested in the messier life moments on stage. Those emotion blinding confusing changing the character’s trajectory moments. Where metaphoric symbols represent a truth more genuinely and impact-fully than the spoken word.

An umbrella can be used to shield a character from the life elements or inspire an impromptu dance in the rain. It can become a weapon of mass destruction in a fist fight or symbolize a character\’s readiness for relationship when snuggled together with a significant other under its sheltering presence. The possibilities for its uses are endless.

However they are used, I’m drawn to powerful storytelling intertwined with metaphoric symbols on stage. Perhaps my next production will take place around a mud pit. Now that’s a great place for a little rain to fall.