The Unicorn From the Stars

The Valley Players will present a staged reading of Unicorn from the Stars by David John Preece of Manchester, New Hampshire, for viewing online starting Nov. 20. The play is a fictionalized story about the poet/writer Sylvia Plath during her time living in England, and her friendship with one of her neighbors. It is the winner of the 2020 Valley Players Playwright Award.

Susan Loynd (Fayston) will make her directorial debut with this production, which will be a filmed reading with Aimee Clement (Waitsfield) as Sylvia Plath, and Doug Bergstein (Warren) as her English neighbor, Trevor Thomas. Loynd is on the Board of Directors of the Valley Players and has been seen on stage in many shows including Rock of Ages, Young Frankenstein, Oliver!, and several years of TenFest.

Clement is still relatively new to the Valley Players. Her first involvement in a VP production was last year, where she played the role of Kay Kelsey in Out of Sight… Out of Murder. She studied Theatre at the University of New Hampshire and has a love for Clowning and Aerial Arts. “As someone who loves the process of breaking down a script, this project has been exceptionally fascinating”, said Clement. “Researching these characters, their life’s work and stepping into their world with the view ‘through the lens of a bell jar’, has been incredibly eye opening. I am lucky to be living in a time where mental health is beginning to be seen in a new light, which I believe we have these bold lives to thank for. In the midst of a pandemic, many of us have experienced how isolation and fear can take a very dark toll on our mental health. Sylvia Plath had to live in fear of a straight jacket, where I have the luxury of community, movement and art to mend my imbalances”.

Bergstein is a long time Valley Player member. He has been on the board for more than 20 years and has performed a multitude of tasks ranging from chief dump guy to running the lights at a moment's notice to performing on stage in a variety of roles. He teaches 5th & 6th graders at the Fayston School for his day job. “Working with a new play is always an adventure”, Bergstein said. “It doesn't have the advantage of being polished over many years. It's great being part of bringing a new work to the stage. I know I have learned a great deal about Sylvia Plath throughout my work with this script.”

Viewing information will be available at valleyplayers.com. Admission is free, but donations to the Valley Players non-profit community theater are always welcome.