A unique adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is currently playing at The Ruth in Pleasant Grove. The production features Anne Post Fife as a deaf Mrs. Bennet, using American Sign Language to reshape the classic family dynamic.
The daughters' voices bridging the gap for Mrs. Bennet
Anne Post Fife's portrayal of Mrs . Bennet introduces a new layer of complexity to the Bennet family structure. In this version,the character's daughters—played by Emily Faith Thurman as Kitty Bennet and Sydney Claire Olson as Lydia Bennet—take turns voicing their mother's thoughts for the audience. As reported by the local news, this method allows the actresses to dive deeper into their roles, as they must navigate the emotional nuances of their mother's communication.
This vocal arrangement creates a fascinating emotional contrast during performances. Fife noted that the daughters sometimes voice lines with an emotion that contradicts her physical signs. For instance, while Mrs. Bennet might be signing that she is flustered by the arrival of Mr. Bingley, a daughter might deliver the line with a flat, unimpressed tone. This technique, according to the production's details, highlights the specific personalities of the lesser-known sisters while grounding the family in a realistic, albeit unique, communicative reality.
A "Bridgerton" influence in Pleasant Grove's Regency setting
The production at The Ruth also draws inspiration from modern period dramas like the hit series Bridgerton. Rather than sticking strictly to traditional orchestral scores, the show intertwines classic renditions of pop music into the lives of Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and George Wickham. This stylistic choice aims to blend the timelessness of Jane Austen's prose with a contemporary energy that resonates with modern audiences.
Technical cues and filmed translations for Anne Post Fife
Rehearsal processes for this specific adaptation required intense collaboration to accommodate Anne Post Fife's needs. Because Fife cannot hear the other actors, the staging was modified to include tactile and visual cues. For example, Marshall Lamm, who plays Mr. Bennet, might place a hand on her shoulder to signal a transition, or a daughter might run up for a hug to provide a physical cue for her to react.
To ensure linguistic accuracy, Fife utilized a specialized practice method during rehearsals. She interpreted much of her dialogue into ASL grammar and structure, then filmed herself performing these translations. This allowed the actresses playing her daughters to study her movements and practice matching their spoken lines to her specific signs. Fife, who brings over 25 years of theater experience to the role, emphasized that this collaborative approach was essential to making the production feel organic rather than forced.
How much pop music and ASL will the audience encounter?
While the production's unique mechanics are clear, several details regarding the scale of the adaptation remain unconfirmed. It is currently unclear how many pop songs are integrated into the score or how heavily the musical elements drive the plot. Additionally, while the daughters' voiicing provides a bridge for Mrs. Bennet's dialogue, the report does not specify if a separate American Sign Language interpreter is provided for the audience to ensure full accessibility for deaf spectators.
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