The UWM Department of Theatre’s next production, “The Ballad of Maria Marten,” opens this week and was directed by Robin Mello (Professor, Theatre). During the production, Mello was assisted by Elizabeth Riley and Ambrose Schulte, both juniors, who serve as Assistant Directors. This experience included Mello connecting her student directors with Beth Flintoff, the playwright.
Hands-on experience for aspiring directors
Riley and Schulteare aspiring directors who came to PSOA with a love for theatre. Collaborating with one another and Mello on “Ballad” proved to be a valuable experience and a positive steppingstone in their early careers.
Elizabeth Riley, a Theatre Practices major, once had dreams of being a performer but transitioned into directing upon finding that her true artistic passion is directing. The shift was validated at PSOA, where she got to shadow the directing side of other productions.
Riley’s love of collaboration in the theatre-making space has been a driving force in her desire to direct.
“One big thing about being a theatremaker is that there’s no room or time to be a solo act,” said Riley. “Being a director is often misunderstood as some sort of god in the theatre… The director’s job is to find a common vision among everyone involved in the production and turn it into a reality.”
Riley shadowed PSOA’s Fall 2023 production of “The Moors” and directed a piece for the New Play Festival in Spring 2024. While both opportunities paved the way for Riley’s work on “Ballad,” she said taking Ralph Janes’ (Teaching Faculty III, Theatre Education & Directing) directing class proved essential in her directing career.
“Working with Ralph transformed my mind as to how I see balance on the stage and how I interact with actors,” said Riley. “I had never thought about how theatre is a sculpture that you need to carefully form so that it makes sense in the audience’s mind.”
Schulte, also a Theatre Practices major, agreed that Janes’ directing class furthered their desire to pursue directing.
“It was really valuable to experience in that class how so much of theatre is what you experiment and try within the moment,” said Schulte. “What you’re doing with these people in that live space is living and breathing… That was really good to apply to this experience.”
Meeting with the playwright
Throughout the production of “Ballad,” Mello ensured that Riley and Schulte were well-researched and prepared, especially given the mature subject matter and 1800s timeline that are essential to the show.
The highlight of the research and planning process came when Riley and Schulte got to sit down with playwright Beth Flintoff. Both students described how this experience was not only personally fulfilling but ensured that they pursued this piece respectfully and accurately.
“So much of what a lot of people focus on when doing a play is ensuring your intent aligns with the playwright,” said Schulte. “Talking to [Beth] reaffirmed that we are on the right path and carefully handling the narrative.”
The experience of discussing the play with Flintoff was an essential part of Riley and Schulte’s creative process, further understanding the nuances of the play’s story.
For example, the main antagonist is discussed by characters but never shown on stage. She discussed this decision with Riley and Schulte, giving greater context into her creative process. Flintoff spoke of her time spent in the village of Polstead, where the events of the play occurred.
The insight not only positively influenced their work on the show but also helped them feel more connected to the individual whose work the show portrays.
“Talking with [Beth] showed just how genuine of a person and writer she is,” said Riley. “Some art that centers around tough subjects can feel insensitive… So, meeting the creative force and realizing she was doing it as a love story to the character showed how genuine she is.”
The three-person directing team fostered a strong collaborative relationship. While Mello is the most experienced director of the bunch, she was still open and accepting of the ideas that her student colleagues presented.
Riley and Schulte described how the three directors were able to “build off each other well,” ensuring that all ideas were heard and considered.
“I appreciate that if you have an idea that Robin is not immediately on board with, she will hear you out and let you defend your ideas,” said Schulte. “Getting the chance to play with other people’s ideas has been important.”
“The Ballad of Maria Marten” is on stage at Kenilworth Five-0-Eight and runs through April 6. For tickets and more info, visit the PSOA Event Calendar.
Story by Jason McCullum ’25