Over the past two weekends, Villanova’s Theatre Department put on a production of “The Language Archive,” written by Julia Cho and directed by Amy Dugas Brown. The play ran in the Court Theatre at the Mullen Center, from Sept. 25 to Sept. 28 and from Oct. 2 to Oct. 5. The plot revolves around George, a linguist who is determined to preserve dying languages worldwide, while his assistant, Emma, secretly possesses feelings for him, and his wife Mary considers leaving him. Thus, the play explores the complexities of language and the frailty of human connections.
The play was interspersed with amusing and captivating moments when characters spoke directly to the audience while other characters appeared to be oblivious. The stage design was left intentionally simple and functional, with just a few props. This, together with the frequently dull lighting, created a tense environment.
When we think of languages, we think of the ability to communicate, and communicate effectively. “The Language Archive,” though, comprises several characters who are incredibly articulate, yet for some reason their profound understanding of language fails them. Despite his extensive linguistic skills, George finds it difficult to express his genuine emotions in order to keep his wife from leaving him. It appears that George and Mary do not truly understand one another from the outset of the play. However, Emma is discreetly learning Esperanto for him, knowing it’s George’s favorite language. Despite this, she is unable to act upon her feelings for George. Then there are Alta and Resten, two endearing and funny people who speak a dying language that George wants to preserve but who will not stop arguing in English.
As the narrative unfolds, every character comes to realize that a certain amount of vulnerability is essential for effective communication and meaningful relationships. Even when words fail us, understanding may still triumph. Emotions have the power to bind us to others. The play ended with a heartfelt recording of the words, “I love you” in many languages while George and Emma embrace in order to demonstrate that language and understanding also exist in the pauses between words and in the gestures we make.
“The Language Archive” has a distinct storyline that skillfully blends romantic, hilarious and depressing scenes. Many people could connect to it, and it was extremely entertaining.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the play,” sophomore Lexi Estrellado said. “I feel like I enjoyed it because it made me a bit emotional with the romance aspect, and I enjoy things that make me feel that way. I also thought the bits where they played the different languages was cool because I heard my language. Overall, it was really interesting and different, it is one of the very first plays I have watched in my life and I really liked every second of it.”
Although there are thousands of languages spoken worldwide, according to “The Language Archive,” one is universal: the language of the heart.
