Monday, Oct 5, 2015
by Amber Sowinski
From October 8 until the 11, Rider Theater bring to the stage, The Penelopaid, based upon Margaret Atwood’s novella of the same name. Directed by Trent Blanton, the play tells the story of Odysseus’ wife Penelope while he is away. Set in Hades,the narrative is told by the 12 maids that Odysseus deemed disloyal and Penelope. Portraying Penelope is senior Marissa Girgus. Girgus explained that Penelope is a woman who is racked by grief and just doing the best she can, a role that Girgus was drawn to since she wanted to explore the journey Penelope goes through on stage.
At the age of 6, she started to take ballet classes, and it was at age 11 that Girgus was encouraged by Gwen Capodieci, the director of her first musical, to continue auditioning and pursue musical theatre. During her time at Rider, Girgus has had the chance to collaborate and learn from many individuals on her journey. Her professors at Rider have given her a wide range of tools and skills to use for different performances. Over time, Trent Blanton, has become more than a director or professor to her. Girgus considers him a mentor.
While at Rider, Girgus has portrayed a variety of roles that include: Rebecca Nurse in The Crucible, Martha in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Mrs. Webb in Our Town. One of her favorite memories is from a rehearsal for Our Town. The play is done without props and during a scene, the actor who was playing Girgus’ husband is supposed to be eating a donut. She asked him what he was doing and he simply replied, “I’m cutting a donut.” Girgus said the crowd burst into laughter because that’s not how you eat a donut. She said that the laughter is her favorite part. She explained that her professors at Rider have taught her that performing should be fun and for Girgus, it is.
When asked for any advice for freshmen who want to pursue theater at Rider, Girgus simply said, “Audition for everything, even if you don’t think you fit the part. You are offering a solution to their problem. The most persistent person doesn’t fail.” Girgus is following through on her own advice by planning to head to the city after graduating and auditioning for everything she can. She is excited to find out how theater works outside of Rider and wants to see where it all goes.
