I’ll admit, I didn’t enter the theater with high expectations. My past experiences with plays, especially those revolving around my younger sister’s endless recitals, had left me feeling somewhat indifferent. When I arrived at the venue, I found it completely booked, and the play started about 15 minutes later than scheduled, which didn’t help to ignite any excitement.

However, “Grasmere,” written by Kristina Leach and directed by Jannie Christl, soon proved me wrong and turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

Based on the lifelong relationship between William and Dorothy Wordsworth, “Grasmere” tells the story of two siblings whose bond transcends separation and loss in 1800’s England. As the given at the entrance explained, Dorothy, a poet and diarist, and William, a famous poet, were separated during their childhood after the death of their mother but later reunited and lived together at Dove Cottage in Grasmere. Their complex and tender relationship is at the heart of the play, providing an emotional depth that became evident as the performance unfolded.

The costumes stood out as one of the production’s most impressive elements. Each piece was carefully crafted with textures, colors and styles that captured the essence of the time period. The designs were not just visually appealing but added a layer of authenticity to the performance, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. 

At just one hour and 10 minutes, the play felt much shorter than its runtime—an indicator that I was genuinely engaged in the story. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect, and the slow start left me uncertain. But as the plot progressed, my focus sharpened, and I found myself drawn into the lives of William and Dorothy.

The actors, led by their skilled performances, were one of the main reasons for this shift of thought. From the very first scene, it was clear that they were incredibly professional, delivering their lines and emotional moments with a depth that made their relationship feel real and relatable.

As someone whose first language isn’t English, I was particularly impressed by how easy it was to follow the dialogue. The clarity of the conversations and the overall flow of the play were all accessible, even to a non-native speaker. The British accents, which I’m not as accustomed to, didn’t pose any issues, and some of the jokes were so well-timed that they had the entire audience laughing, myself included.

One of the most striking elements of the production was the exceptional use of sound and lighting. The acoustic version of “Lovely” by Billie Eilish and Khalid, played at a pivotal moment, set a haunting and emotional tone that perfectly complemented the themes of the play. The lighting design was equally impressive, highlighting key moments in the plot and intensifying the emotional undercurrent throughout the performance.

What made this production even more remarkable was that everything—from the lighting and sound to the acting—was done by students. Their collective effort was nothing short of impressive, proving that talent, consistency and passion can create powerful theater, regardless of experience.

In the words of the Los Angeles Times, “Grasmere” was “gorgeous…hauntingly beautiful,” and I couldn’t have put it better myself. What began as a simple, reluctant visit to the theater transformed into an emotionally resonant experience, one that showcased the immense skill and dedication of the entire cast and crew. If this production is any indication, the future of theater is in very capable hands.

Rating: 4.5/5