Leah Hamilton | staff writer

When Clare Drobot, artistic director for City Theatre first saw “In Clay” in Washington, D.C she fell in love with the emotional and mature elements that the play tackles. She knew that the story would deeply resonate Pittsburgh audiences, the story follows Parisian ceramic artist, Marie Berthe Cazin as well.

So this September, “In Clay,” which The Washington Post dubbed as both “tenacious” and “captivating,” will serve as the opening play for City Theatres’ upcoming season.

“[It is] the perfect vibrant opening to a world that is looking for things that are rooted in joy,” Drobot said.

The play follows Berthe Cazin, who is put in a crossroads in her life, set right before World War I. She’s lacking the commercial success that would define her career, so she creates a world of self-doubt and despair that is only exacerbated by the strained relationship with her controlling husband.

The desires and troubles of this struggling female artist are halted when a former friend emerges in her path and reveals new truths that transform Berthe Cazin’s whole worldview.

“In Clay” is a one-woman show, according to Drobot, Alex Finke, who plays Marie, is said to be on top of her game as a performer and brings a new level of innovation to the show by creating ceramic pieces live.

“The solo aspect of the show feels like a sprint to the finish that brings an excitement to the audience,” Drobot said.

To ensure the community is an active participant in this production, the local music scene was asked to help in forming “In Clay’s” unique musical score. Artists from MCG Jazz, a Pittsburgh Jazz hall, worked to create a blend of Parisian jazz and modern contemporary that is used to shape Marie’s journey.

The music shifts to represent each stage of Marie while she grows as a woman and an artist. With a guitarist, bassist, pianist and violinist, “In Clay” delivers a wide array of musical talent that is pivotal to ensure the historical and cultural aspects of the show are delivered to their full potential.

“The music lends an air to the piece, that’s magical and imaginative,” Drobot said.

The production incorporates stories that are happening locally. City Theatre worked with a local group of ceramic artists to add an extra level of connection with the city and the community. They reached out to the Union Project, a community ceramics center, to find a way to use their show to support their art.

Ceramic pieces are to be displayed all throughout the stage, and the audience will be given the opportunity to buy the artwork.

“Finding your voice is a big conversation happening in Pittsburgh, and we wanted to call attention to all the creative communities that the city has to offer,” she said.

Throughout the show, we will see a variety of struggles that this age poses on women. Marie Berthe Cazin, as a female artist, handles particular difficult challenges in being able to pursue art. The show explores systemic injustice and false narratives that act as the common barriers for women in creative fields.  

“Marie’s unwavering spirit reveals the beauty in the broken,” according to a City Theatre news release.

As a whole, this is a story meant to make the audience contemplate on a deep-seated human desire to create art.

“Audiences are going to be laughing, crying, and walking out humming show tunes,” Drobot said.

City Theatre is located in the South Side neighborhood. “In Clay” will run from Sept. 19 to Oct 11. Students with valid student ID get discounted tickets. To purchase a ticket, visit citytheatrecompany.org. According to the City Theatre website, certain performances will be partnered with Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) for free access and pay-what-you-want events.

Leah Hamilton can be reached at hamiltonl4@duq.edu