If you ever had an English literature class, it’s very likely you read the Charlotte Bronte classic Jane Eyre. The mid-19th century novel of class, madness and love is one of the defining works of the canon. There have been many adaptations on stage and screen, and a very recent one is now on stage at the Milwaukee Rep through May 21.
For lead actress Margaret Ivey, the script and character of Jane Eyre is one of the most difficult roles she's taken on as an actor: "It sings in different ways. Different lines will hit you, or words or verbs will just jump out at you in different ways and resonate I think with a lot of what's going on for women in this country at this time, and what's going on for me and my growth as an artist too. It's beautiful to hear every night, night after night."
Director KJ Sanchez was particularly excited to present this adaptation of the novel because she's always admired Eyre, even since she first read the story at age 15.
"She was my role model because she didn't fit in and eventually she finds her way and gets her voice. And not only that - she gets her man, she finds her place. And it's a beautiful combination because she's not only just a rebel," she says. "What's so remarkable about the book and about how Margaret is playing her...is that she's rebellious and forthright and she's going to stand up for herself...but she has such a clear understanding of her moral compass."
