Alias Grace
by Jennifer Blackmer based on Margaret Atwood's novel
Directed by Karen Kessler

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​​Ball State University
Strother Theatre
February 26th, 2016 - March 3rd, 2016

Scenic Design: John Stark
Costume Design: Sarah Carman
Hair and Makeup Design: Shelia Medcalf-Wilson
Lighting Design: Mickie Marie
Sound Design: Brandon Wayne Reed
Photos taken courtesy of David "Kip" Shawger

About The Play

Based on Margaret Atwood's novel, this stage adaptation of Alias Grace takes a look at one of Canada's most notorious murderers. In 1843, 16-year-old Grace Marks was accused of brutally murdering her employer and his housekeeper. Imprisoned for years, Grace still swears she has no memory of the killings. A doctor in the emerging field of mental health arrives to try to find out the truth of the matter. Alias Grace is a fascinating study of memory, culpability, and the shadowy spaces within the human mind.

The Sound Design


​The Ballad of Grace Marks

As lights fade into the opening scene, straight away we establish that this is a haunting story that blurs between reality and memory. Whispers and dark drones fill the space, as we begin to hear the sounds of a dulcimer and a soothing voice. The opening ballad tells an abridged version of the plot, while we watch Grace being manhandled in an asylum and interacting with illusions of her past.


Box Step Dance

One of Grace's most memorable moments in life, was her first dance with her lover McDermott. We hear how she remembers the moment with soothing music, and the sounds of the country.


​​​Dream Hysteria

Halfway through, Grace's memories start to feel foggy and uneasy. A pleasant memory begins to feel odd as she recalls the memory. Tension builds as the men in her life encircle as she tries to remember who abused her. Eventually Grace snaps and harms Simon who has been listening this entire time. Our first peek into Grace's mental illness.


​McDermott's Revenge

In the turning point of Grace's tale, McDermott has finally vowed to seek vengeance on the heads of the household who have controlled, demeaned, and continued to insult them. He beheads the mistress, and eventually shoots the head of household as foretold in the ballad.


​Meta Reprise

After all is said and done, Simon is unable to fathom the events that have transpired. As he is packing his bags he is visited again by Grace. Is it a figment of his imagination or is it really her? We learn of Grace's mental disorder as the production comes to a close. The ballad returns to underscore this meta moment and as we learn the truth are echo'ed into darkness.