Whimsical 'Skriker' no grim tale

There are plenty of people who have heard of fairy tales involving princes, princesses and happy endings. The less commonly known are the fairy tales involving evil spirits, as are featured in the tale of "The Skriker," which will open at Theatre II tomorrow.

The anti-fairy tale, directed by junior Ariella Bowden and written by British playwright Caryl Churchill, is a display of art in everything from sets, costumes and lights to language and movement, according to Bowden. The plays use of constant movement, which is demonstrated in the inclusion of a character that dances during the entire show without stopping, sets it apart from its contemporaries.

The Skriker, played by junior Sara Tomko, is a spirit from an old fairy tale who survives off two girls by following them around and abusing them mentally and physically, according to Tomko.

"People tend to think that fairy tales have happy endings, but fairies have always been evil spirits," Tomko said. "Disney and Hollywood changed that, and now people think they are nice."

The human race's emission of pollution in the environment is endangering the lives of evil fairies who coexist. The Skriker, the lead villain of a malicious supernatural race, decides to retaliate against human corruption by ordering her fairies to harrass humans — thus weakening them, which gives the fairies power. The Skriker selects two sisters in their late teens — Lily (freshman Megan Tusing) and Josie (senior Leigh Diveris) — as her prey. The Skriker possesses supernatural powers — she changes shape and becomes anything that Lily is attracted to in order to bait Lily so that she can hurt her. Other fairies also use their powers — such as the power of invisibility — to carry out their revolt against humans.

The play's title character is comparable to familiar characters from fairy tales, such as the boogieman or Rumpelstiltskin. Bowden said she hopes audiences will recall their memories of what they have heard about fairy tales during the play and, therefore, be interested and entertained from making those connections in their minds.

Bowden said she knew she wanted to direct something by Churchill, so, after reading several of her plays, she chose "The Skriker."

"I chose to direct this play because it utilizes everything I have learned over the past several years — especially (what I've learned about) telling a story through movement," Bowden said.

The lighting and sets also will play an important role in this production, according to sophomore Cassie Sauer, the show's lighting technician.

"We are trying to match the lighting with the mood of the play," Sauer said. "We are using colors (such as purple and yellow) in the lights that are rarely used onstage to give it a more dramatic feel."

The curtains around the stage will be covered in large newspapers painted with spirits on them to make the audience feel like they are surrounded by the creatures in the play, according to Bowden.

"The Skriker" will run in Theatre II from Feb. 17 to 21 at 8 p.m. with a midnight show Friday. Tickets go on sale today for $3 and can be purchased two hours before each show at the door.