Story by Emily Leadem
The newest University of Oregon theater production Creature, written by Heidi Schreck and directed by Tricia Rodley, is a dark humor play that brings to life the haunting story of historical Renaissance character Margery Kempe (c. 1373–1438 C.E.) and her religious struggle with the Devil. The play takes a more comedic tone towards the normally more somber character of Margery, providing laughs to the audience, while still reflecting her pain and suffering accurately.
At the production’s opening night, I saw much enthusiasm for the play from a variety of people. There was a display set up outside the theater for audience members to draw and post their own “devil” cutout. The theater itself was well decorated with large pillars and gargoyles, while the floor was painted with a colorful scroll design. The props were minimal which kept the attention on the actors.
An interesting feature of the University of Oregon’s Hope Theatre is the complete, up-close view of the stage that all audience members are able to enjoy. This format allows some aspects of the play, such as the lighting, to be experienced much more directly by the audience. It allowed a better look at some of the effects, too. Snow fell at one point in the play, and at another point there was fire projected onto onstage pillars. This environment fosters a very up close and personal experience while watching this play. Stage effects aside, you are able to sit just a few feet from the actors and feel like they are talking to just you throughout the play.
Audience members expressed to me after the play that several liberties were taken with respect to the content and character development during the play. Religious studies major Cayla Prokop was one of them.
“First of all, Margery’s [original] story is in no way a comedy, so it was difficult at first for me to accept the comedic aspects of the play,” explained Prokop, though she noted that the comedic take on the story did eventually grow on her. She also added that some creative techniques, like period-appropriate choir songs to transition between parts of the play, helped quite a bit as well.
“I would definitely see it again, and even recommend it to a friend!” she said.
Ultimately, I would recommend seeing Creature. It is a thought provoking and unconventional play that covers topics not normally offered in the University of Oregon theater department. Even though I had no past knowledge of Margery, it did not prevent me from enjoying myself. The play will leave you with many questions about religion and its permanent impact on the character of Margery Kempe, but will also leave play-goers wanting to come back to the University of Oregon theater productions to experience more of the inspirational acting they have to offer.

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A Creature’s Tale