Dylan Thomas play performed at library

NORFOLK —  The Sandisfield Players performed “Under Milk Wood” at the Norfolk Library on Sunday, May 21. 

“Under Milk Wood” was written by Dylan Thomas in 1954 as a radio drama for the British Broadcasting Corporation. It was later adapted for the stage.

“It’s always nice to have our neighbors come perform,” said library coordinator Eileen Fitzgibbons as she introduced the group. 

“We’re happy to be back here in this most beautiful building,” added Sandisfield Players director Ben Luxon. “Thomas intended this to be a play for voices. The whole play is poetic prose. I truly think it was his greatest achievement.”

The play depicts a day in the life in a small fictitious Welsh town called “Llareggub”, which is “bugger all” spelled backwards.

In keeping with the original spirit of the play, The Sandisfield Players performed in a semicircle, stepping forward when their parts came up. 

Helping to set the scene was a large handpainted backdrop of “Llareggub,” created by actor Susie Crofut. Each actor performed several roles and used simple costumes such as aprons or hats to indicate new characters. Sound effects such as babies crying or bells chiming also peppered the scenes adding to the mental image they were creating.

The Sandisfield Players had performed the show the previous night at the Unicorn Theater in Stockbridge, Mass. 

“Some of us had done the show before quite a few years ago,” said actor Lauren Paul. “We’ve been rehearsing with this new group for about a month.” 

For more information about the Sandisfield Players go to www.facebook.com/SandisfieldPlayers.