A “crazy” and “fun” experience as Thespians perform “Emma”
Aynsley Vivian as Emma (Photos by Nathaniel Rabon, CIU Student Photographer)
By Alex Brickey
CIU Student Writer
Hot gossip, misunderstandings, deceit, and matchmaking shined on stage in the CIU Thespian’s presentation of the beloved Jane Austen novel, “Emma,” in Hoke auditorium.
This play is astounding in and of itself, not to mention the fact that this year has been one of the hardest years to pull off a live performance with an in-person audience.
If you were to provide a one sentence summary of ‘Emma,’ it would be “Matchmaking gone wrong.” Emma, one of the main protagonists of the story, successfully matches her governess with a wealthy man named Mr. Weston before the play even starts. Filled with the belief that she has the power to make suitable matches, she attempts to find a suitable spouse for her long-time friend Harriet Smith. However, as the play progresses, through failure, hardships, and heartbreak, Emma matures into a fine young woman who repents of her ways.
Aynsley Vivian, who played the title role, said after the opening night’s performance that she had “so much fun.”
“It went really well and I'm really proud of all the cast for all that they did and our director, of course, Elizabeth Kenny, is absolutely amazing,” Vivian said. “So praise God for them.”
Kenny called directing the play a “bumpy ride” as they worked around Covid-19 restrictions.
“It's been a crazy experience,” Kenny said. “But I reminded my cast that God has to be the center of it and we have to glorify Him through our actions and the gifts that He's given us. That is the reason why we're here able to perform.”
CIU student Nick Smith took in opening night and was impressed.
“The professionalism showcased at CIU is really unmatched for a school play,” Smith said. “I love watching each play (The Thespians) put on.”
With record enrollment in 2020, BestColleges.com ranks Columbia International University the 2020 Best Online College in South Carolina, and CIU is #2 in the state for Best College Campus. CIU also consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South and a Best Value Regional University in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.