By Raynard Churchwell
In the heart of Georgia State University’s School of Film, Media & Theatre, a transformative production is taking shape: “Circadian: When Will We Wake?” At its core lies the dedication and ingenuity of an ensemble of nine students, including senior film major Jenna Puszewski from Lawrenceville, GA. Serving as the core deviser, choreographer, and videographer for the show, Jenna’s journey through the creation of “Circadian” reflects the collaborative spirit and innovative approach that sets this production apart from traditional ones. Here, Jenna shares insights into her motivations, the collaborative process, and the profound impact of “Circadian” on both her personal and artistic growth. Join us as we delve into the intricate tapestry of creativity and community that defines “Circadian: When Will We Wake?”
What made you want to be a part of Circadian?
Jenna: I love consistency and creative freedom, both of which I knew were prominent components of the show we’d be creating. To be constantly challenged to create something that was not only heartfelt but collaborative excited me to no end. Also, the sense of community – being surrounded by such passionate people is always something I’m looking for and this show and my castmates are the epitome of putting your all into what you love.
How does Circadian relate to the lives of students at Georgia State University?
Jenna: Circadian relates to the lives of students in that it touches on many different topics that any person, but especially people our age and in our setting, can relate to. We touch on themes of love, grief, heartbreak, identity, etc. and as the majority of us are transitioning into the adult world, a show like this can be super beneficial.
Can you explain how students worked together to make Circadian?
Jenna: The creation of Circadian came out of an Acting Techniques class taught by Anastasia Wilson this past fall semester. There was an audition process the summer before, and right when school started, we dove in, creating a plethora of different work (movement, writing – poetry & scripts, songs, etc.) based on specific prompts each week. Then, after sharing our ideas, we would work together to find the underlying story within the piece and build on the feeling of each piece; Circadian is a true amalgamation of all the things we hold close to us.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a student choreographer, and how did you handle them?
Jenna: Because I do not have a ton of experience choreographing for others (I’ve always been the dancer), finding the right way to explain movement while not taking up too much time was the hardest part for me. The more rehearsals we had, the easier it got, though! Also, the more I let my ideas flow and get insight from the cast on movement/blocking, the more enjoyable it became!
What emotions or messages do you hope the audience will take away from Circadian after watching it?**
Jenna: My biggest hope is that each audience member sees part of themselves in the storyline, no matter how small. By the end, I hope they walk away feeling less alone in whatever they may be going through. Our goal is to provide a voice for those who feel as though they can’t speak about the things they face.
How has your involvement in Circadian influenced your personal and artistic development as a student?**
Jenna: Personally, it has provided a space for me to freely communicate my opinions and ideas without fear of rejection. When I started college, one of the main things I wanted to learn was how to take up space with my own voice and allow myself to be heard – I have important stories to tell. Artistically, it gave me the opportunity to dance on stage in my favorite style again, which I never thought I’d get to do again. It was also the first time I wrote anything for someone else, which has sparked a newfound love for storytelling.
Could you describe a moment during the creation or performance of Circadian that was particularly meaningful to you?
Jenna: I love “ah-ha” moments and I remember when we were in the early stages of building the show and picking the phrase we were going to base the story off of (this was before we even came up with the title, Circadian), we were all stating our cases for why we wanted each phrase and there was this one collective moment after going back and forth for an hour or so where we all came to the same conclusion on the prompt and it was super refreshing and fun. It’s also just fun to see everyone go lawyer mode for what they want and get super into the topic as a collective unit.
As “Circadian” makes its debut, we invite you to experience this captivating production firsthand. Running from Wednesday, April 10th through Sunday, April 14th, with performances Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 PM at Dahlberg Theatre, this is an opportunity to witness the culmination of months of dedication and passion. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary journey. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, visit circadian_gsu on Instagram.