Belvoir St Theatre is set to present a bold adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando from August 30 to September 21, 2023. This unique production features a cast of rollerskating Elizabethans, bringing the enchanting narrative of Woolf’s classic to life in an imaginative way. Four actors will portray the title character, showcasing a journey that explores gender fluidity through various historical periods.
Innovative Approach to a Classic
Janet Anderson, a recent graduate from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), is one of the actors taking on the role of Orlando. She admits that the experience of performing on rollerskates in front of an audience is daunting but exhilarating. “I won’t lie, the thought of rollerskating in front of 300 people still churns my stomach a little bit,” she said. “But everyone in the ensemble has really dived into learning the art of roller skating, and we’re already looking pretty professional.”
The production aims to capture the vibrancy of the frozen River Thames during the Great Frost of 1608, a scene drawn from Woolf’s novel, which was published in 1928. Anderson describes the adaptation as ambitious, incorporating elements such as dancing and fire in addition to skating, promising a visually stunning performance.
Woolf’s Orlando is celebrated for its exploration of identity and time, telling the story of a character who transitions from male to female, and Anderson believes this production will resonate with contemporary audiences. “It’s a very playful piece,” she noted. “We want to engage with the audience while celebrating queer joy, despite the current political climate.”
Reinterpreting Gender Narratives
Director and co-adaptor Carissa Licciardello, known for her previous work on Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, expresses excitement about the fresh perspective this adaptation brings. “Typically, adaptations focus on the transformation of a man into a woman,” she explained. “But Woolf’s work is really about a person exploring their many selves and fluidity with gender, which is particularly relevant today.”
A unique decision made by the creative team is to cast four different actors—Anderson, Shannen Alyce Quan, Zarif, and Nic Prior—in the titular role, reflecting the character’s evolving identity. “We wanted anyone playing Orlando to be from the trans or non-binary community,” Licciardello said. “This approach supports the idea of continual change and transformation in Orlando’s journey.”
Anderson, who will portray Orlando as a woman navigating societal expectations, has a personal connection to the story. She first discovered the character through a still from the film adaptation starring Tilda Swinton, which left a lasting impression. “To be a trans artist stepping into the period drama world is really exciting,” she remarked. “I can’t wait to wear pretty dresses in this production.”
Licciardello emphasizes the production’s innovative spirit, aiming to redefine the expectations of a period play. “We want to tell this story from the perspective of queer people who have always existed in history,” she stated. “It’s not about being overly intellectual; it’s about embracing playfulness and subversive themes.”
The adaptation arrives at a critical time when discussions surrounding trans rights and traditional gender roles are intensifying, particularly in the United States. Licciardello notes the significance of presenting a work that celebrates queer joy amid a challenging political landscape. “It feels meaningful to explore this story at a time like this,” she said.
With its roller skating ensemble and a diverse cast, Belvoir’s Orlando promises to be a captivating blend of art and activism, inviting audiences to engage with a classic text in a fresh and dynamic way.
