While We're Home

Small Towns, Big Questions

by Michele Pawk

Actor Michele Pawk finds reflections of her rural upbringing in the quiet existentialism of William Inge.

“Once I decided to become a “serious actress,” I transferred to a fancier college and spent that summer educating myself on some of the great American plays/playwrights.  I began with my local library offerings: Tea and Sympathy, The Four Poster, Desire Under the Elms, and of course, all Tennessee Williams all the time.  Then I stumbled upon William Inge.  The first play of his I read was A Loss of Roses.  I know now that this was not considered his masterpiece, but I got lost in his world!  I knew those people.  I felt their frustrations and yearned for the same dreams.  Years later, I would be lucky enough to embark on a deep and personal exploration of his masterworks The Dark at the Top of the Stairs and Picnic with director Jack Cummings and Transport Group.“