Play raises today’s questions in colonial setting

ORONO — In a time of shaky governmental structures all over the world, and queries about artistic freedoms in our own country, William Gibson’s play “Goodly Creatures,” now playing at Hauck Auditorium, poses some contemporary questions in a colonial American setting.

The story is about the controversy raised by Anne Hutchinson, a mystical midwife and religious zealot who travels from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 1630s to follow her pious teacher, the Rev. John Cotton. Because of her charismatic and inspired personality, Anne quickly becomes a popular spiritual leader in the colony. However, her position is seen as a direct threat to the magistrates, who are busily maintaining a firm ideological hold over the minds and souls of their parishioners.

Anne is a subversive character: She speaks her mind, and is a visionary who seeks the power of love rather than the power of the state. She is also an original model of political dissidence. But, of course, this counters the agenda of the parish leaders who preach fire and brimstone sermons that leave their flock feeling uninspired and damned.

Naturally, the church hierarchy carefully waits for Anne to transgress in a punishable fashion. So when she assists in the birthing of a stillborn deformed child and keeps the details of the event hidden, they quickly level charges of witchcraft against her and banish her from the colony. As an outcast, Anne can no longer threaten the containment and conformity that the prelates rely upon for the smooth functioning of their control.

Gibson’s script is intense, powerful, and provoking, and the Maine Masque production captures these qualities with surprising smoothness. Largely this is due to the performances of Kristisu Sader as Anne Hutchinson and Christopher J. Guilmet as Gov. Winthrop. Although Sader’s lines are at times spoken too softly, she is consumed with her character’s spiritual fervor. Guilmet plays well opposite her, and is skillful at showing the painful internal struggles of the beleaguered governor. The play really is about the interaction and conflict between these two characters.

As the Rev. John Wheelwright, Robert Libbey delivers a spellbinding sermon from the pulpit. The scene is one of the highlights of the evening because Libbey, and the cast members who support his performance, recreate a church atmosphere that beckons us all to sit up straight, listen, and say “amen.”

Peter Cash has grown as an actor since his appearance earlier this year in “The Water Engine,” but his lines are often lost in the stutter required by the role of Wilson. Craig Peritz also deserves mention for a fine and lively performance as Harry Vane.

“Goodly Creatures” plays at 8 p.m. April 26-28, and 2 p.m. April 26 and 29. For tickets, call 581-1755.