Knight of the Burning Pestle

Director’s Note

I was always fascinated by the idea of things coming  “full circle.” This concept signifies a return to the beginning after a long journey of change or experience, often with  newfound wisdom or perspective. It is a cycle of growth and return, nodding to a completed voyage of personal, thematic, and in this particular instance, theatrical evolution. Both Knight of the Burning Pestle and I have  found our way back home. The Blackfriars Theatre (London) premiered the first production of Pestle in 1607. It was there that our playwright, 

Francis Beaumont, envisioned these characters coming to  life, engaging with audiences, invoking a sense of  community through dialogue and play; a sort of  “yes, and” spirit. My first encounter with The Blackfriars  stage would follow over four centuries later, in our small town called Staunton. Seemingly worlds apart, 

I discovered that same magic Beaumont himself undoubtedly felt. Grounds where both actors and audiences create the supernatural together. As a performer,  it has been impossible to articulate or duplicate the magic I experienced on the Blackfriars stage. The kind of magic that  happens when we invite the audience to be an active participant, a scene partner, with influence to affect and deepen how we tell stories. When we extend an olive branch to play, what we are left with is an endless well of possibilities, opportunities that are unique and alive, occurring before our very eyes. In a world that has become incredibly digitalized and isolated, we often take human connection for granted. We have forgotten life before all of the distractions. We have forgotten the magic that exists within each and every one of us. Knight of the Burning Pestle is or this reason, a summoning back to our roots. 

A sort of love letter to audiences past, present, and future. There isn’t a more fitting time or place to engage with this story. Regardless of how you ended up in this  audience, this is your reminder to laugh, connect with others, and have agency over the narrative. This too is, your full circle.

Sincerely, 

​Constance Swain

Activist. Actor. Director