Exploring the Depths of Human Connection in The Pavilion
The Pavilion, written by Craig Wright, is a poignant and thought-provoking play that dives into themes of love, regret, and the passage of time. Set in a small town, Pine City, Minnesota, the narrative unfolds in a familiar yet evocative setting—a pavilion where life’s pivotal moments play out. The story revolves around Peter, played by Ward Whipple, a man returning to his hometown for a high school reunion, which serves as a catalyst for revisiting his past relationships and choices.
The Theatre
Held at the Westport Community Theatre (WCT), The Pavilion is the opening show of the 67th season of presenting live theatre in the community. I was escorted to my seat by our very own theater guru, Sheila, who volunteered to usher and take tickets. If you have not been to the WCT, the seating is close to the stage. That is good, because the actors were not mic’d which at times was an issue when the actors were turned away from the stage saying lines. There were five HFFC members at the matinee on Sunday, September 29.
Sheila and new HFFC member, Dorothy
The Structure
One of the most striking features of The Pavilion is its non-linear narrative. The play starts off with the Narrator giving us a look back to the beginning of time, formation of the stars, evolution and all the way to the present time of a 25th class reunion, with a time stamp of the hours at the reunion leading up to the midnight dance. This method is used to weave the past and present to experience the emotional weight of Peter’s memories as he confronts the repercussions of his actions and the woman, Kari, that he has always loved, but left 25 years ago. Wright’s play tries to show the complexity of human relationships, emphasizing how our past continuously shapes our present.
Themes of Time and Regret
At its core, The Pavilion is a meditation on time. The play invites viewers to reflect on how the passage of time affects our identities and relationships. Peter grapples with his past, longing for what might have been while simultaneously facing the reality of his choices. This theme resonates with anyone who has ever looked back at pivotal moments in their life, making the play universally relatable. Kari, played by Jennifer Ju, is married, comfortable, but not in love with her husband. She also has quite bitter feelings towards Peter as the reunion begins.
Regret is another powerful theme woven throughout the narrative. As Peter reconnects with old friends and Kari, he confronts the choices that led to their estrangement. The emotional resonance of these moments underscores the play's exploration of love—how it can be both fleeting and everlasting.
The Narrator, Peter and Kari
Characters that Resonate?
The characters in The Pavilion are profoundly human, with multiple flaws. The way they sometimes came on stage, for just a few seconds before exiting at times, was more comical that believable. But they always pointed their attention to the King and Queen 25 years ago, Peter and Kari. It is Peter’s journey, however, that is not just about reconciling with others but also about understanding himself. The play somewhat succeeds in that. Peter is messed up. He calls Kari’s husband to ask him if it would be all right to take Kari for a drink without discussing that with her. This upsets Kari and it is another example of Peter letting her down. At the end of the night, Pete will go back to where he now lives, Kari will stay in a loveless marriage, and the other characters in the play will speak their thoughts about their regrets, friendship, family, and self-acceptance.
The Symbolism of the Pavilion
The pavilion itself serves as a powerful symbol throughout the play. It represents a place of gathering, memory, and reflection. It is also going to be torn down and replaced by, well, it doesn’t matter what it will be replaced by. It’s where moments of joy and sorrow have converged over time for these people, making it a fitting backdrop for the exploration of Peter’s emotional landscape. The setting encapsulates the idea that while time moves forward, certain places and moments remain etched in our hearts.
Conclusion
The Pavilion speaks to the complexities of human connection. Was it great? No, but it did capture the intricacies of love, loss, and the inevitable passage of time.
I had my high school reunion a couple of years ago. The Pavilion was a reminder of the enduring impact of my high school connections with others and that our experiences, however fleeting, leaves an indelible mark in our hearts.
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