University of Virginia Library

IT WILL BE SOME TIME BEFORE
anyone will be able to determine the exact
degree to which the publicity and prestige brought
about by Volpone's success in the ACTF will advance
the drama program at the University. There can be no
doubt that its impact will be considerable, but has it
moved the relatively young program one year ahead?
Two years?

"Possibly light years," according to George Black.
"We just got a great deal of continuing recognition
that never would have gotten in any other way. I see
reviews and mentions and notices about shows from
past festivals almost once a month, because the things
appear in a surprising number of places. That kind
of stuff is just really hard to buy. You can't buy it."

Nor can memories be bought. If they could be, all
of the kids who participated in the ACTF would put
astronomically high price tags on theirs.

"Undoubtedly the most rewarding show I've ever
worked on," was the way graduate drama student
David Cupp, who played Voltore, summed up the
entire Volpone experience. "It truly is, mostly
because of George Black. I think he's just about the
finest director I've ever worked under. And also
because of the crew that was working on it, because
they worked so tirelessly. If we had an opportunity
to do it again in two months, we could come back
and everyone would try to make it even better than it
was."

Jim Jontz, who portrayed Mosca, was less candid
in his response following the last Kennedy Center
performance, struggling to find an eloquent way of
expressing his obviously deep feelings, and finally
commenting that "The energy, the excitement, and
the esprit that was gathered for this performance
especially was nothing short of a miracle. It was
something that the cast could experience and, I
know, spilled out into the audience."

As for graduate English student Diana Durham,
who played Celia, the experience brought her "to
believe a new attitude has to be brought toward
college drama. The idea of the festival – it was
something I read in the (Washington) Post I think –
as a celebration of possibilities rather than a crowning
of talent keeps us from getting particularly conceited;
we can still be pleased with the fact that we've got
some potential."

Most of the student actors and technical personnel
felt that there was some room for improvement in the
way in which the festival was structured. Jontz spoke
not only for himself when he said, "We should have
an opportunity to exchange ideas and exchange
experiences with actors from across the country that
are here for the festival. We have not had that
opportunity. The only opportunity we have had is
seeing someone across the breakfast room at the hotel
or something, and if we go up and introduce ourselves,
that's fine. But the festival has done nothing to
promote this exchange, and I think it should."

***

But whether the flaws are taken care of or not,
there can be little doubt that Virginia will
enthusiastically enter the competition in future years.
Although they won't get to play the Kennedy Center
every time around, there is everything to gain by
trying, and nothing to lose.

Moreover, from a practical standpoint, the
department will be moving into its new home on
Carr's Hill next winter, and it is doubtful that their
fund drive for its construction will be completed.
Thus, keeping their dramatic endeavors as widespread
and visible as possible will hopefully lead to large
contributions from friends and alumni. At least that's
the theory.

Still, this year the biggest leap was taken, and with
it came the biggest thrill for those involved. Shooting
for the stars will be fun in the future, but having
made it once, it just won't be the same.

All Photos CD/Steve Wells

Copyright, 1973
The Cavalier Daily