Harper College Theatre Ensemble lurks in the shadows with ‘Gaslight’

Above: Catherine Athenson (left) plays Bella and Catherine Bautista plays Alice in the Harper College Theatre Ensemble's production of "Gaslight." Performances take place April 30 through May 4 at Harper’s Drama Lab Theatre. Below: Athenson and Elliot Moore (Jack) play a married couple with a troubled relationship.

Although Gaslight is set in the 1800s, it speaks loudly about the modern world. After all, the acclaimed play originated the term “gaslight” and investigates the dark corners of relationships and the deep chasms that can exist between trust and truth.

The Harper College Theatre Ensemble will present Steven Dietz’s adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 play from April 30 through May 4 at Harper’s Drama Lab Theatre, Building L, Room L209, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. (2 p.m. on May 4) and tickets are $15-$25, available online or by calling the Harper Box Office at 847.925.6100.

Gaslight centers on Mrs. Bella Manningham, who feels she is losing her sanity at the hands of her husband, and caretaker, Jack. When a police inspector visits, he offers information that changes her perspective and might even save her life.

Actor Catherine Athenson said that portraying Bella gives her – and the audience – an opportunity to explore the particulars of abusive relationships.

“When people hear about relationships like this, they say, ‘Why didn’t they leave? Why is this happening to them?’” said Catherine, a professional actor who also works for a financial firm. “If someone is gaslighting you, the highs can be very high and the lows can be very low.”

As she inhabits Bella’s highs and lows, Catherine said she’s grateful to be a member of this production’s cast, which includes a variety of backgrounds – from actors with film experience to Harper students and community members appearing in their first play. As someone with a range of theatrical experience as a dancer, choreographer and actor (including Harper’s 2017 production of Picnic), she shared how impressed she is with everyone’s instincts.

Catherine is also excited about how Gaslight will be presented. Because the show is set in the 1800s, the Manninghams’ home is lit by actual gaslight – providing literal representations of what is going on in the married couple’s relationship. Abstract movement sequences, steered by director Sally Beck Wippman, will also enhance the tension.

“And because we will be in a black box studio [Harper’s Drama Lab], the audience will be up close and personal to the emotions at play,” she said. “Everyone’s in for a treat.”