One out of every six American women will be the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
Taylor Thorngate feels the weight of that statistic during rehearsals for her role as Margorie in Stardust Playhouse's production of "Extremities," opening Friday at the group's new theater on Fremont Street in Monterey.
"It's a very, very difficult role that takes a lot out of you," said Thorngate, 28. "I have to prep myself for 45 minutes and try to go to the place of Margorie, to feel her vulnerability."
Written by William Mastrosimone, "Extremities" was first performed off Broadway in 1982 at the Westside Theatre in New York and ran for 325 performances.
Susan Sarandon originated the role of Margorie, a character who turns the tables on a would-be rapist after she is attacked in her home.
Farrah Fawcett drew critical acclaim when she picked up the role on stage, before starring in the 1986 film of the same name.
Thorngate relishes the challenge before her, and realizes the sheer importance of the subject matter.
"When I first read the script, I was so drawn to it," she said. "In my acting life I knew this would be my most difficult role. A lot of actors are afraid to go this far, but I wanted the challenge of putting myself in such a vulnerable position. In the end it's more about the power she gains and what she will do with that power."
The play opens inside Marjorie's apartment she shares with her two female
Within seconds, the attacker, named Raul, has Marjorie on the floor and is smothering her into compliance with a cushion.
Marjorie is able to grab some bug spray and temporarily blinds the man. With the tables now turned, she ties up her attacker and imprisons him in the fireplace.
As the tension builds, Marjorie subjects Raul to the same kind of physical and mental abuse he used on her earlier, even reducing him to tears as he pleads for his life.
When her roommates return, a taut morality play ensues as Marjorie struggles with how to use her newfound power, while her roommates grapple with their own views on how to handle the rapidly evolving situation.
Do they let him go? Do they call the police? Do they let their friend commit murder? At the same time, the attacker tires to manipulate the roommates in an attempt to turn them against each other, and Margorie.
Mastrosimone's script shines light on apparent cracks in our judicial system, and focuses on elements of fear, loyalty, protection, blame and vigilantism.
"It's a really important piece of material that's still relevant, and it was written almost 40 years ago," said director Kirsten Clapp. "It's a timeless piece, but we modernized it a tiny bit, mostly some dialogue."
Clapp first came across the material while studying theatrical direction at Monterey Peninsula College. She elected to direct a scene from "Extremities" for a school project, soliciting the help of two classmates for the roles of Marjorie and Raul.
"It was so successful that I told them some day when I have my own theater we would all do the show together," Clapp said.
Eight years later, Clapp runs the fledgling Stardust Playhouse and when she bought the rights to "Extremities," she made the calls to those classmates, Thorngate and DiBartolomeo.
"I couldn't imagine anyone else playing those parts," Clapp said.
Rounding out the cast is Tatum Tollner, who plays roommate Terry. The actor playing the second roommate left the show for personal reasons, forcing Clapp to step in as Patricia.
"It's just one more thing on my plate, but I didn't have time to replace her," she said.
Clapp said the rehearsals have been physically and emotionally taxing on her actors, especially Thorngate.
"Rehearsing the fight scene, Taylor had a few breakdowns," Clapp said. "Victor is very commanding and strong, very believable, and blocking it was very difficult. You want to make it look real but not have them hurt each other. It's emotionally difficult for the actors."
Thorngate was taken back by the scene's realism, and the statistics behind it.
"I rehearse it and I can't imagine it happening to me, to not have the power to get out of a situation. It's very rewarding to me because I feel this happens to so many women, and maybe (the play) will open some eyes in the community."
Clapp plans to hold a silent auction before some of the performances, with all the proceeds benefiting the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center. To donate to the auction, call Clapp at 383-0739.
Mike Hale can be reached at grubhunter@comcast.net. GO!
THEATER OPENING
·What: Stardust Playhouse presents William Mastrosimone's "Extremities."
·Where: Stardust Playhouse,2115 N. Fremont St., Suite C, Monterey
·When: 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from July 6-July 28
·Tickets: $15 (for mature audiences) at stardustplayhousemonterey.com
·Information: 402-8940
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