Virgins to Villains
Created and performed by Robin Goodrin Nordli
Directed by Penny Metropulos
Ashland, OR at the Oregon Shakespeare Fetival May 16 – July 19, 2024
Robin Goodrin Nordli in Virgins to Villains. Photo by Jenny Graham
This one-person show by excellent veteran actor Robin Goodrin Nordli weaves highlights of her life with the characters she has played on stage. She has performed in 61 productions of 30 of Shakespear’s play, and the master class snippets of those roles shared in Virgins to Villains do an uncannily wonderful job of illustrating Robin’s real life ups and downs.
First of all, when Robin talks she is clear, forceful, engaging, and simply fun. Her telling of personal and professional development is truly interesting. It’s completely satisfying to my inner voyeur.
The stories of her experience as a young woman smacked me with the endemic sexism that I remember as the norm when I was the age of her younger self. It turns out she’s a year or so younger than I am, but the treatment of women and the barriers she related made me uncomfortable again. Her history was sometimes too real.
Robin Goodrin Nordli in Virgins to Villains. Screenshot from an OSF video.
When she dips into a monologue or conversation from one of her stage characters her full talent is captivating. I always love watching Robin on stage, and having her cherry pick memorable scenes is so enjoyable!
We had seen Robin tell her story and do ad hoc scenes before. Maybe 10 years ago at the Presidio Officers’ Club? Something like that.
But today’s Virgins to Villains is an order of magnitude more powerful. Her earlier reminiscences of her Shakespeare experiences were launched from what she refers to as a music stand. She read from notes, did scenes, commented slightly on her life, and was thoroughly entertaining.
Robin Goodrin Nordli in Virgins to Villains.
Photo by Jenny Graham
However, under the direction and guidance of Penny Metropulos Robin has a real story to share. In a talkback Robin mentioned some of the instructions that someone (Penny? somene else?) gave: she had to memorize the whole show and not read from notes; she had to list roles and life events in two columns and address how the two matched up. Brilliant advice that was perfectly executed.
So, on one hand you’re mesmerized hearing how Robin became the person Robin. You simultaneously track the increasing complexity of the characters she’s playing. They go together. The younger, more innocent Robin did a great job playing the comedic or giggly or simply young Shakespeare virgins. The more mature Robin has a depth to infuse into the dense and thorny female villains.
Robin Goodrin Nordli in Virgins to Villains. Photo by Jenny Graham
The balance between Robin’s story and the performing of scenes is also perfect. She uses the Shakespeare as a way to move the narration along, going ahead without getting too much into the weeds of her personal story. And, as I said before, when she acts… just sit and enjoy.
Virgins to Villains rightfully mentions Oregon Shakespeare Festival often. Afterall she’s worked there for 26 seasons. But you don’t need to have been to OSF to appreciate the performance. Robin – and Penny – give a incredibly well crafted 90 minutes of meaningful quality entertainment.
Talk to your local theaters. This is a one-person show that definitely should make the rounds!
A definite 5-star show.