by Barry McNamara
When Monmouth College student Bronte de Zwart ’26 returned to Adelaide, Australia, over Christmas break and took her family’s dog Coco on walks, there was a new element to the ritual – de Zwart found herself doing a character study.
“I was home for the summer (Monmouth’s winter), and I took our dog for a walk every day,” said de Zwart. “While we were walking, I kept looking at her and thinking, ‘Why is she doing that?'”
Coco’s motives might’ve been unclear, but de Zwart’s wasn’t – the junior was making observations that just might make it to the stage when she plays the title (and canine) role in Monmouth’s production of Sylvia, which will be staged Feb. 21-23 in the Hewes Library Studio Theatre.
‘I love this play’
Directing the play is Western Illinois University professor Lisa Wipperling, who oversaw The Theory of Relativity at Monmouth a year ago.
“I love this play,” said Wipperling. “It has universal themes. A lot of pet owners out there have really strong relationships with their pets – sometimes unrealistic relationships with their pets. It’s very funny, with some moments of uproaring hilarity. But there’s also some high-end-thinking themes in the show,” such as gender identity.
“Ultimately,” said Wipperling, “the play is about love and relationships – human beings loving their dog, and human beings loving their partner.”
Written by A.R. Gurney, Sylvia tells the story of a husband, Greg (played by Eric Pio ’26 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa), contending with monotony in his life and searching for its meaning. A dog he finds in the park becomes a source of companionship and comfort, but also a bone of contention, as his wife (played by Abby Zayas ’27 of Normal, Illinois) doesn’t like the dog, finding it a rival for her affection.
Eventually, the dynamic changes. While promoting the play last summer, theatre professor Vanessa Campagna said, “What is really intriguing is that we’re circling back to the theme within (the season-opening) Pride and Prejudice of first impressions and being open to having one’s mind changed.”
Putting on the dog
de Zwart had her first Monmouth role in that season opener, playing the overtly flirtatious Lydia Bennet, and she’ll draw some laughs in Sylvia, too. But de Zwart is drawn to other characteristics she sees in Sylvia, as well.
“I’d never done any acting before Pride and Prejudice, and it was very exciting,” she said. “I’ve never been a lead before. The more I play with this role, I see there are more layers to the character, and I’m really enjoying that. There’s an earnestness there.”
So how does one go about playing a dog?
“You follow your instincts,” said de Zwart. “I knew it was a talking dog, but it wasn’t until we dove into it that I was like, ‘Oh, I’m actually playing the dog.’ I have to focus on mannerisms when I’m not speaking, like sniffing the furniture.”
“Bronte has been a delight to work with,” said Wipperling. “I’ve really given her carte blanche on how to go about it,” such as when to stand up and when to be on all fours. “It’s a really good balance. Greg sees Sylvia as a woman, so it makes sense for her to stand up sometimes as an equal.”
de Zwart appreciates the direction that she and the rest of the cast have received from Wipperling.
“She has a very organic approach to directing,” she said. “She sits back and lets us attempt a scene and play around with different ideas before she gives us direction. It’s a very supportive environment. We view this not just as a production, but as a learning experience for everyone.”
de Zwart is in most of the scenes, so she’s encountering her share of learning opportunities. And in addition to speaking, she also sings a solo, which is “something I never thought I’d do,” she said.
And speaking of speaking, she said the dog’s breed is currently a surprise, but if Sylvia turns out to be an Australian shepherd, de Zwart will certainly have the accent down.
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Monmouth College will present “Sylvia” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Hewes Library Studio Theatre on campus. Tickets can be purchased online at monmouthcollege.edu/box-office. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $6 for students, faculty and staff with a Monmouth College ID. The production features adult themes and strong language.
