“The Trial of Loki” will commence tonight at the McDonald Theatre.
The play, an all-original production directed by Kyle Schweighauser, features mythological Norse gods and goddesses and, as the title implies, revolves around the trial of Loki, the trickster god. According to Norse mythology, Loki was supposedly influenced by another god, Hodur, to slay Baldur with mistletoe.
“We’ve just been rehearsing and rehearsing and rehearsing,” goddess Hel actress Wendy Weller said.
Weller said the purpose of the play is to let people know what Norse mythology is about and what is commonly misconstrued. She also referred to Paganism, saying the play tries to make people look at each other and religions of the world differently.
“We all need to come together and work together to make the world better,” she said.
Weller came from a Christian background and became a Pagan
a few years ago. She said that
a Christian path “didn’t really
feel right.”
Everyone in the 20-person production chose his or her character and wrote their own dialogue.
“I took the longest to choose my part; I’m very picky,” actress Vicky Ledbetter said. Ledbetter will be playing the role of Mistletoe.
Ledbetter, Weller’s daughter,
has acted in numerous productions and became a Pagan before
her mother.
“I kinda got her into it,” she said.
The “interactive” aspect of the show will come toward its end, when the audience will get to play judge and jury for Loki’s fate, using pennies placed on either end of a six-foot tall scale.
Music will be prolific during the production. The Sugar Beets will perform between scenes, and Bindaas, Don and Lorraine Voss, Eleven Eyes and African-drumming group Waaw Kuumba will also contribute their talents. A performance by fire-dancing troupe Inflammable Divas was also planned, but was canceled in consideration of Thursday’s nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I.
Former mayoral candidate Michael Glownia will play the role of Loki. He said the god character is especially poignant in relation to present day turmoil.
“Having this role in this time of the world is a gift,” Glownia said. “It seems to me that Loki’s story is fitting for the current world events we’re immersed in right now.”
Glownia, who also wrote the theme song for the production, referenced chaos theory, and said Loki is a god of chaos, fire and change.
“Things are breaking down right now, and I think it’s because we haven’t embraced chaos.”
Glownia denied claims that the Loki character is a murderer.
“Murderer? Loki’s not a murderer. He’s just in the center of events. He’s like a focal point,” he said.
Glowina said that the biggest change that will result from the production is that all proceeds will benefit FOOD For Lane County.
“Food banks are at an all-time low,” he said. “All of our money is going to feed hungry people.”
Tickets are $10 at the door or at any Fastixx outlet. The show begins at 7 p.m.