Walden at InterAct Theatre Company

Amy Berryman’s Walden, directed by Seth Rozin, is a quietly electrifying meditation on climate grief, sisterhood, and the tension between escape and commitment. I saw it at InterAct Theatre’s Proscenium Theatre, and I was deeply moved by the performances—especially Alice Yorke’s portrayal of Stella, the grounded twin who chose Earth over the stars.

Twinhood and Emotional Resonance

As a twin myself, I was especially struck by the twin telepathy between Stella and Cassie, played with fierce vulnerability by Campbell O’Hare. Their shared gestures, unfinished sentences, and emotional shorthand felt deeply authentic. There were layered twin dynamics at play: rivalry, protectiveness, mirrored grief, and the ache of diverging paths. It was powerful to witness a portrayal that didn’t flatten twinhood into cliché, but instead honored its complexity.

Stella’s Choice: Heroic or Hesitant?

Alice Yorke’s Stella is luminous and layered. She radiates conviction in her choice to stay on Earth, yet there’s a quiet tremor beneath her resolve. Is she fully satisfied? That’s the question that lingered with me. Her moments of stillness, her gaze toward the trees, and her tension with Cassie hint at a longing that hasn’t quite been extinguished.

Bryan as Catalyst

Bryan, portrayed by Newton Buchanan, is the quiet fulcrum of the play. He holds space for both women to be vulnerable in their respective roles—Stella as the Earthbound architect of sustainability, Cassie as the lunar pioneer grappling with isolation and ambition. At times, Bryan’s presence felt like a mirror, reflecting back truths the sisters weren’t ready to face. Yet he also pushed on emotional triggers—especially around grief and loyalty—that could have been even more developed. His character is more than a grounding force; he’s a catalyst.

Standing in Your Desire

Walden asks: What are you willing to do to stand in your desire—even when the future feels uncertain?
Stella’s choice to stay, Cassie’s drive to leave, Bryan’s quiet provocations—they all circle this tension. The play doesn’t just ask what we want. It asks what we’re willing to risk for it. Can you commit to a life that might not fulfill every dream, but honors your values? Can you resist the pull of escape when staying means discomfort, grief, and slow healing?

For me, Walden became a mirror. It reminded me that standing in your desire isn’t always triumphant—it’s often tender, conflicted, and brave in ways that don’t look heroic. It’s choosing Earth when the Moon calls. It’s choosing connection when isolation feels easier. It’s choosing to stay, even when you’re not sure what staying will cost.

Know Before You Go

If you’re planning to see Walden at The Proscenium Theatre, here are a few tips to make your experience smooth and enjoyable:

• Parking: There’s nearby parking available—both on-street and in adjacent lots. Metered spots can fill quickly, so plan ahead.
• Snacks & Drinks: Light refreshments are available in the lobby. Grab a drink or snack before the show to settle in.
• Arrival Time: Aim to arrive at least 20–30 minutes early. The venue is intimate, and early arrival allows time to find your seat, explore the space, and decompress before the performance begins.

Tickets on Sale Now

Walden is in production at InterAct Theatre Company’s Proscenium Theatre November 23rd. Tickets are available here. Don’t wait—this intimate, emotionally resonant production is worth settling into before it closes.

Thank you to Interact Theatre team for having me. The warm welcome and talk back was absolutely amazing.