If the world were ending, would you try to save it or start over elsewhere? This question is explored in Amy Berryman’s “Walden,” the upcoming Winter Theatre Showcase directed by Bucknell alum Brooke Echnat ’21. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s novel with the same name, Berryman’s “Walden” follows twin sisters Stella and Cassie as they confront choices that will shape both their present relationship and humanity’s future.
According to “Theatrical Rights Worldwide,” the story begins at a remote cabin, where Stella and her fiancé Brian await the arrival of Stella’s estranged twin sister Cassie. Raised by their astronaut father, the sisters once shared the dream to become NASA scientists. However, their aspirations have since shifted: while Cassie has recently returned from a successful moon mission as a botanist for NASA, Stella, a former NASA colony architect, left the agency behind, mourning her lost chance at visiting space.
When Cassie arrives, unresolved tensions resurface. Despite her accomplishments, Cassie grapples with difficulty readjusting to her life on planet Earth, conflicting with Stella’s struggles with deeply-rooted resentment and grief. Meanwhile, Bryan, a member of the Earth Advocates political movement, believes that the future of humanity resides in protecting the planet rather than deserting it. This perspective opposes the sisters’ shared roots in space exploration. As past secrets emerge and emotional intensity increases, “Walden” conveys the push-and-pull dynamic between obligation and desire, questioning where hope for humanity truly lies— here on Earth or beyond.
With the emotional weight of “Walden” uniquely resting on just three characters, the student cast offered insights into their experiences working on this project.
Q: How would you describe your character to someone who knows nothing about “Walden”?
A:
Tessa Brizhik ’26 [Stella] – : “Stella is a former NASA architect struggling with her new life away from everything she’s ever known. She is quick-witted, intelligent, guarded and deeply heartbroken that her dream of going to space will never come true.”
Caroline Pritchard ’26 [Cassie] – : “Cassie is a strong woman struggling with a massive life decision: to move to Mars in the hopes of saving the human race or to live a love-filled life on Earth. She is a botanist, an astronaut and above all a sister to Stella.”
Matthew Alexander ’26 [Bryan] – : “Bryan is that character who is passionate about his beliefs, loves deeply and cares deeply. He can be described as friendly, laid-back and someone who cares so much about the Earth.”
Q: Is there a scene, line or moment you’re especially excited for the audience to see?
A:
Brizhik: “I am very excited for the audience to see Stella learn what she is meant to do in her life!”
Pritchard: “I’m excited for the audience to see the debate that Cassie and Bryan have in the second act. I think it is rich with questions of how we should treat the earth and each other.”
Alexander: “There are five acts in the show, and I am most excited for the audience to see Act 2. Act 2 goes up and down in intensity and shows a display of emotions from both my scene partner and I. As such, the audience should be entertained and captivated by the whole Act.”
Q: What has been the hardest part of working on this production for you? The most rewarding part?
A:
Brizhik: “The hardest part of this production for me has been authentically portraying Stella’s personal self-image and identity issues. At the same time, though, it’s been the most rewarding!”
Pritchard: “It has been difficult to put all of the acts together and run them all at once. The show is like a marathon. But, I have loved working with actors I have known for so long as well as individuals whom I have just recently met. I also love when a scene clicks and I can feel the momentum with my fellow actors.”
Alexander: “The hardest part of this production has been the speed with which we have had to rehearse on and work with the show. Since it comes on this weekend, we only truly had four weeks of in-person rehearsals compared to the six or seven weeks I’ve had for other shows. The most rewarding part has been the cast and crew dynamic. Despite the stress of putting on this show, all of us have found time to laugh and converse.”
Q: What is one thing that people don’t realize goes into productions like “Walden”?
A:
Brizhik: “The time it takes to craft the ‘twin-ness’ of twins!”
Pritchard: “Some wacky acting techniques, like being animals and doing scenes without words.”
Alexander: “There is a lot of collaboration. I know it is kind of obvious that actors collaborate, but in shows like these it is important that the director and actors collaborate. For instance, Brooke, our director, would ask how we felt about a run or if there were any concerns before she gave us notes.”
Q: Why should Bucknell community members who don’t typically attend plays see “Walden”?
A:
Brizhik: “Although this story is futuristic, dystopian and sci-fi, it also really feels like it could be set in anybody’s kitchen today. The story is exceptionally thought-provoking and moving. I think everyone can leave Walden resonating with at least one character’s rhetoric and beliefs, feeling compelled to have more political discussion and personal reflection about life on Earth.”
Pritchard: “Walden has numerous ethical and political arguments. Any audience interested in climate change, NASA, ethical theory, or even living a different lifestyle would enjoy the show.”
Alexander: “This show, compared to other Bucknell shows, addresses current topics and concerns in the world right now without necessarily forcing the conversation. The show also features a cast of those who have been friends for years, and thus makes for a more collaborative show with a load of chemistry between the actors.”
“Walden” will be performed this weekend from Feb. 13-15, 2026, at the Tustin Studio Theatre. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m on Sunday. Tickets are available on the Bucknell University Box Office website.
