The best plays are timeless. The plays that use a specific event, or anecdote, or period in life to reveal a part of the human condition are the ones that can transcend time and be performed for decades on end. Arthur Miller's "All My Sons" is one of these plays. It opens tonight at the Helfaer Theatre and runs through Feb. 24.
Based upon Miller's real life experiences, "All My Sons" is set during World War II and tells the story of Joe Keller, a father of two (one living and one presumed dead) who manufactures engine parts for the Army.
When Joe learns of a shipment of faulty parts has arrived, he and his partner make the decision to weld over the parts and ship them out regardless. These faulty parts later cause 21 planes to crash and 21 pilots to die.
"It really is a social issue play. It's about the consequences of this one lie that ends up affecting everyone he loves," said director Debra Krajec. "Joe made the decision for his family, which is ironic because it is the reason he ends up losing them."
The part of Joe Keller is played by Pat Ivansek, a junior in the College of Communication. Ivansek said that while Joe's decision is questionable, his motive of doing it for his family is not.
"I don't think he's a bad man," Ivansek said. "Other people might not."
Marquette's production of "All My Sons" marks the first time in years that all of the designers are students. The lighting, sound, costumes and scenic design were all done by students (in conjunction with faculty advisers and the director, of course).
"Everything people see is done by students," said Rachel Finn, a junior in the College of Communication. "It's been a big time commitment, but it's been great being a part of something that is entirely student's vision."
Finn, the show's stage manager and sound designer, isn't kidding when she says the production has been a major time commitment. Audiences may not realize just how much blood, sweat and tears go into performing a play like "All My Sons."
Research began as early as last summer, Krajec said. From there, production meetings were held in September, casting in October, costume research in November, set construction in January – all finally leading up to rehearsals this February and tonight's opening.
"From the building of to the set to the sewing of the clothes (and everything in between), there must be close to 40 people working on this play," Krajec said.
But the months of preparation and long hours are worth it when performing a play written by someone of Miller's caliber. Krajec said most of Miller's plays deal with guilt and a person's responsibility to others and the world, an ideal that particularly applies to a university like Marquette.
"I have loved this play for over 20 years," Krajec said. "It's funny in parts, tragic in others and leads to a surprising conclusion. It breaks my heart to see what happens. It shows us we have a responsibility to the world, to be good people and help each other."
Krajec said Miller was one of the first playwrights to write the way people talk, which gives "All My Sons" an added layer of authenticity. That writing, in particular, is the reason Nick Inzeo, a junior in the College of Communication, connected with the material from the beginning.
Inzeo plays Joe's son Chris, a character left frozen in time because of his mother's refusal to reconcile with his brother's disappearance.
"This is definitely my favorite Arthur Miller play – 'The Crucible' and 'Death of a Salesman' are much more known, but in my opinion the writing in this is just spectacular. Its simplicity speaks volumes," Inzeo said.
"All My Sons" was highly controversial when it was published in 1947. Miller's condemnation of war profiteering and corporate America led to a summons before the House of Un-American Activities Committee because of his distinctly un-American values. Its wartime subject matter was relevant then and, given the current situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, is still relevant today.
The easiest parallel between then and now lies in the character of Kate Keller, played by Jennifer Shine, a junior in the College of Communication. Shine said she watched videos of soldiers returning from Iraq reuniting with their families on YouTube to prepare to play a mom who desperately believes her son will return home from war at any moment.
"In any war, there's always a mom waiting. I can't even begin to imagine what that must be like," Shine said. "('All My Sons') is such a heart wrenching play. I think its message will be different for every person who sees it, but hopefully everyone will walk away appreciating their own family that much more."
Whether it's the Midwestern family values, the theme of social responsibility, the parallels to today's political climate, or the thrill of seeing a classic play come to life, there is reason for everyone to see "All My Sons."
"I think you'd have to be dead not be touched by this play – especially since we have war right now. It's something we can all relate to," said costume designer Rebecca Keber, a senior in the College of Communication.