Author Kenneth Grahame never intended to publish The Wind in the Willows. A publisher was badgering him about bringing out another book, and he insisted he had no manuscript in the works. It was his wife who suggested he publish the animal tales, which began as bedtime stories for their son. The written portion began when his son refused to go on a trip, as he would miss the stories of Rat and Mole and Toad being told to him each night. As a compromise, Grahame wrote him letters so the stories could continue. Those letters became the basis of the book.
I never intended to adapt and direct The Wind in the Willows. In fact, before last year, I had never read the book. As we adapted our season to a largely video format, we discussed doing a performance outside with masks, and employing social distancing. The “singer masks” we chose to use allowed more articulation but reminded me of animal snouts, which is when I turned to The Wind in the Willows.
These stories have been adapted many times to the stage, film, and video, including Toad of Toad Hall, by Winnie the Pooh author A.A. Milne. Yet, none seemed appropriate to our outdoor venue, so I utilized much of the language from Grahame’s book to allow for a shorter, COVID safe production. My apologies if your favorite scene is not included, but the book is so rich, not everything can make it.
My thanks to our students, who have flung themselves into these iconic characters, and a rehearsal process that went from Zoom to indoors to outside. My thanks as well to my colleagues in the Theatre department, who have met the challenges of outdoor performance with good humor and creativity. And I certainly must thank the administration of the University, who have led us well through the difficulties of the last year, and allowed us to bring this production to you in this lovely outdoor setting.
Grahame’s book begins with Mole emerging from his underground burrow, fed up with Spring cleaning and being stuck inside. I think many of us understand that feeling. We hope you enjoy the show.
Ron Zank
