April 20, 2021 —Coming to Kendal at Oberlin is Bette Davis as you never knew her. Bette Davis On the Edge, written and performed by Christine St. John, directed by Jane Drake Brody and produced by Duane Thompson, is coming live to Kendal’s Heiser Auditorium on Saturday, October 4, 7:15 PM.
A reception in the Heiser Lounge will follow the performance, with an opportunity to meet Christine and her production team.
Prior to the Kendal performance, Bette Davis On the Edge plays at the United Solo Theatre Festival, Theatre Row, 42nd St. New York City and following the performance at Kendal, it plays at Imperial College, London.
Drawing from both the Motion Picture Academy Library in Los Angeles and the Bette Davis Archival Collection at Boston University, Christine St. John’s meticulously researched play is no mere catalogue of showbiz reminiscences. It is a work packed with drama, intrigue and comedy. This compelling story provides a unique and touching insight into both Hollywood in its heyday, and arguably the finest actress of her generation.
After graduating from the Goodman School of Drama of the Art Institute of Chicago, Christine moved to Paris where she studied at the Sorbonne and the International Theatre Workshop with Blanche Salant. After four years working in Europe, she returned to Chicago to co-found, with Jane Brody, The Immediate Theatre Company. Since then Christine has enjoyed a full career with roles ranging from Shakespeare to French Farce. She continues to perform on both sides of the Atlantic and lives in London.
This performance is free and open to the public.