Charlotte's Web
Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Larry Clark Summer Rep, 2020
All the characters from E.B. White's Charlotte's Web brought to life for young audiences at the theatre. We have Wilbur, the lovable pig trying to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands animals and protects Wilbur, Templeton, the greedy rat who can be helpful (when he wants to be); the Zuckerman family; the Arables; the farm animals, and, of course, Charlotte A. Cavatica, the magnificent spider whose writing in her web and strong friendship help Wilbur along in is journey.
In the summer of 2020, we had to pivot our production of Charlotte's Web to the actual inter-web as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
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In the rehearsal room we played A LOT of games, focused on community-building, and found comfort in the form of puppets. I gave blocking by using a virtual Zoom whiteboard and the actors did amazing work adapting to the many obstacles thrown their way.
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In collaboration with our brilliant tech team, and platforms like Zoom, Skype, Youtube, and OBS, we were able to live-stream our production to kids across the globe!
Director's Note
I am sitting here holding my mom’s worn out childhood copy of Charlotte’s Web, thinking about how the story of Wilbur, Charlotte, Fern, and friends has touched readers of all ages for almost 70 years. E.B. White’s story can be passed down from generation to generation because its themes are timeless. We perform this adaptation of Charlotte’s Web in a time where we are hopeful that America sits on the edge of positive transformation. From struggling through a pandemic that has tested not only our nation, but the world, to demanding justice and lasting structural change in solidarity with Black Americans and oppressed peoples, the messages of Charlotte’s Web ring true. In rehearsal today, I asked the cast and creative team what they wanted audiences to take away from our performance. Why is this story, performing this show in this context, important? Here are some of their answers.
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This show and this process is important because it’s an example of seeing things through to the end, despite the obstacles. It is an example of theatre prevailing and providing hope in a time where hope can be hard to hold on to. It’s a show about the strength of friendship. It is about banding together for a cause no matter who you are, whether you’re a human, a goose, a pig, a spider, or a rat. It’s about selflessness and putting others' needs ahead of yours sometimes because they need your help. This show is important because it creates diverse community on the page and on the virtual stage, and it invites audiences of all backgrounds to participate in that community. This production is important because it shows what the world could look like, without editing out the complexity of life. It’s important because it recognizes that there is power in sharing honest and difficult dialogues with young audiences.
As the director of this experimental virtual adventure taking place on our very own WEB, I am HUMBLEd by my TERRIFIC team and their dedication to sharing this story with you. Bring your best animal noises, because everyone is welcome on our farm no matter who or where you are!
