GAINESVILLE — Gainesville resident Lizzy Arnold doesn’t consider herself a playwright.
Arnold’s production of “Galatea,” her original play based on the mythological tale of Pygmalion and the perfect muse, Galatea, will be presented Sept. 16 at the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville.
The show will then go on the road for a three-day run at the Louis Bluver Theatre at the Drake during the Philly Fringe Festival in Philadelphia starting Sept. 19.
Arnold, an Alachua County native and 2020 graduate of Ocala’s West Port High School, describes herself as a “theater deviser” who provides a platform and opportunity for actors to bring their own interpretations to add to the show.
The myth of Pygmalion and Galatea, which has multiple versions, revolves around the making of a statue of the perfect woman by Pygmalion which a kiss brings to life, according to InterestingLiterature.com They marry and have a daughter, the website states.
Arnold’s production of “Galatea” features Abril, who goes professionally by her first name only, an actor, writer and filmmaker from Charleston, South Carolina, as Galatea the muse. Mitchell Maguire, an actor/choreographer from New York City, portrays Pygmalion, according to a press release for the upcoming Gainesville production.
“ ‘Galatea’ also explores themes of beauty and freedom of expression, and how the artist’s demand for perfection can hinder true human connection. The original myth is from Pygmalion’s point of view as he creates his perfect muse,” according to the press release.
“The production explores the Pygmalion myth from Galatea’s point of view, following her gradual realization of imprisonment and abuse by her creator,” the press release states.
“Arnold felt compelled to retell the myth from Galatea’s perspective to capture elements of the female experience — the isolation women feel at times but also the unconditional love and sisterhood that is possible,” according to the release.
“My version of this story comes from the perspective of the soul behind the muse who just wants to explore and express herself freely outside of the expectation of the male gaze,” Arnold is quoted as saying in the press release.
Arnold, 23, is the daughter of Karen Arnold, a school psychologist, and credit manager Ken Arnold. She was born in Gainesville and raised in the Williston area.
She attended grade school at Jordan Glen (PreK-8) School & Summer Camp in Archer, a nonprofit educational institution that “values individual differences,” according to Jordanglen.org
While there, Arnold sang and acted in school productions, according to the press release. She also was involved in the Hippodrome Theatre’s Summer Spectacular Theater Camp and Teen Ensemble and acted and sang in productions with We the People Theatre Arts Initiative in Archer and Gainesville and West Port High School’s Omega Theatre Company, the press release states.
Arnold earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in theater from Costal Carolina University in 2024 and wrote and staged “Galatea” while she attended CCU, the press release indicates.
Abril, 23, is a native of Quito, Ecuador. She moved to the U.S. at age 7. Abril stated in an email that she is a lifelong actor and her mother is a theater arts educator. Abril attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities, a “conservatory style residential high school,“ and was trained at Coastal Carolina University and at the Accademia Dell’arte in Arezzo, Italy.
Abril met Arnold in college and called working with her a “blast,” stating that Arnold is filled with “incredible creativity.”
“This project touches on heavy topics, but Lizzy makes sure it never feels heavy in the room while we work,” Abril stated.
“The reimagining of the myth of Pygmalion and Galatea and the general structure was created by Lizzy, but then the piece came to life through the collaboration of all the actors,” she wrote, in part, about the production.
“We didn’t have a set script with lines and blocking that we followed and learned. Instead, with Lizzy’s guidance, all the actors would be in the space and create movement, text, and sound and play around with different combinations until we would settle on something that worked,” she wrote.
“We always had a say and freedom to create,” Abril wrote.
Abril discussed her role.
“I think what I bring to ‘Galatea’ is presence. Galatea does not speak, and when a character is silent, it is crucial to have a strong presence. The biggest challenge with this role has been balancing the quietness and gentleness of Galatea with the power and strength that she also has,” Abril wrote.
Arnold said she started creating parts of the play when she studied physical theater and Italy at the Accademia dell’Arte in fall 2022. She came up with the concept for the show in spring 2023.
“It took a summer to write, and three weeks of rehearsal to put it together when it was first shown at the Coastal Carolina Theatre Discovery Series,” Arnold said. “I then revisited the show about a year ago to make some changes.”
Arnold said members of her family, although not directly involved in the performing arts, have expressed their creativity in different areas, including one grandfather who worked with stained glass.
Arnold, who began in plays as early as kindergarten, finds herself right at home in the theater. “Theater gave me an avenue to use creative energy,” she said.
(“Galatea” is suggested for high school age and up audience members, according to the press release)
If you go
What: Production of “Galatea,” with social mixer and silent auction to support upcoming productions of the play.
When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16
Where: Hippodrome State Theatre, 25 SE Second Place, Gainesville.
Details: (352) 375-4477; tickets $15; https://www.eventbrite.com/e/galatea-preview-fundraiser-tickets-1595863433489?aff=oddtdtcreator
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: One night only: North Florida ‘theater kid’ brings her original play to the Hippodrome
Reporting by Andy Fillmore / The Gainesville Sun
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