Written by Shawn Fisher and directed by Leah Page, this emotionally charged play was first developed by the Fusion Theatre Project and Off-Broadway's Urban Stages with its professional premiere at the Salt Lake Acting Company in 2016.
About “Streetlight Woodpecker”
In the heart of North Philadelphia, Benji returns home after being wounded at war. His stern father’s suicide leaves him homeless, and he seeks refuge with his childhood friend, Sam. This new living arrangement brings past events to the surface and Benji struggles to process the battles he has faced, both at war and within his own family. Meanwhile he plots to kill a troublesome woodpecker who loudly bangs the metal streetlights and, like Benji, disrupts the lives of the neighborhood.
Sometimes funny and often heartbreaking, this thought-provoking play explores identity, masculinity, love, and acceptance.
Performance Details
Dates: Feb. 21-24, 2024
Times: Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. (Feb. 21-24), Matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. (Feb. 25)
Venue: Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL
ASL interpretation provided at the Thursday, Feb. 22 performance.
General Admission: $20
Non-Flagler Students: $5
Complimentary admission for Flagler students, faculty, staff members, and their families. Present your Flagler ID at the door or email the Box Office to reserve your seats.
Please note this play contains themes which some might find difficult to witness. If you would like more information about the specific content, contact lpage@flagler.edu.
Behind the Scenes: Casting and Rehearsals
The journey to bring “Streetlight Woodpecker” on a Flagler stage began in October 2023, as casting discussions unfolded. With Fisher’s detailed character descriptions, the casting process was seamless, and they never felt the need to compromise. Fisher and Page were in sync, meticulously selecting actors whose essence truly “resonated” with the characters.
The four-person student cast had a read-through of the script in November and underwent dialect coaching ahead of winter break, honing their authentic Philly accents. Regular rehearsals began in January.
A Directorial First
This is the first production Page has directed alongside a playwright, a dynamic she admitted to being initially nervous about. “What if I’m giving direction, and you don’t like it?” she wondered, sharing her concerns with Fisher, who is both a friend and colleague. However, as rehearsals commenced, Page found the process “delightful.”
“I just really welcome collaboration as a director,” Page said. “So, we've been doing this whole thing together with me facilitating the process of the work and Sean is just there to say, ‘This is what this moment's about.’ If we're struggling with figuring it out, we can turn to him and ask, ‘What was your intention with this scene?”
Simultaneously, Page’s direction has allowed Fisher to uncover “new discoveries and nuances.” His willingness to tweak the play during rehearsals stems from a desire to see it thrive in various theaters. “Streetlight Woodpecker” remains a living document and Page said these subtle changes carry immense significance.
For more information on “Streetlight Woodpecker” visit our Theatre Productions webpage. To purchase tickets, please visit: flagler.universitytickets.com or contact the Lewis Auditorium Box Office at (904) 826-8600.
If you need to request an accommodation due to a disability to provide reasonable access or participation, please contact the Director of the Disability Resource Center, Phil Pownall at Ppownall@flagler.edu.
