ALBION, Mich.-- Professor of English James Cook's interest in the work of a 16th-century Italian nun paved the way for several Albion College theatre students to perform in Denmark this summer.  Accompanied by Cook and Theatre professor Tom Oosting, the students attended the Ninth International Colloquium of the International Society for the Study of Medieval Theatre, in Odense, where they gave two performances of Cook's translation of Antonia Pulci's "Play of St. Guglielma."

"Traveling such distances forced us to keep costumes and scenery to a minimum," says Oosting. "Of course we tapered back on the requirements to stage the show, but with 30 characters to play, costume changes were imperative. It meant each student was responsible for 6-to-8 pounds of props in their carry-on luggage. It was difficult, but that's what it's like to be a vagabond performer."

The Albion College thespians were joined by other players from the Netherlands, Scotland, England, Spain, and Denmark.

Albion's theatre company was formed in March and began rehearsing in April. The production was fully staged in mid-May during a rehearsal period that actor Claire Walton described as 'intense.'

"We accomplished so much in the four days of rehearsal before leaving campus," says the senior from Plymouth. "I think everyone has been really committed to making this project work because it's such a great opportunity for us going to Scandinavia, meeting new people and experiencing places we've never been before."

Performances of The Play of Saint Guglielma took place August 4 and 6, in an open-air theatre in the town square of Odense, Denmark's third largest city. The city of Odense and an anonymous Albion College alumnus donor covered the cost of this journey, and Oosting couldn't be more thankful.

"We left the people of Denmark with a play that none of them had never seen and probably never read before," explains Oosting, "and that was a unique dramatic experience. I believe we left them with an impression that an Albion College theatre production is a quality production and something to be proud of."

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