Covenant’s theatre department most recently featured the play “Jane Eyre,” adapted by Anya Klumpenhower ’24 from the book by Charlotte Brontë, from Thursday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 16. The play was captivatingly performed, highlighting Jane’s relationship with God. Two capstones were presented in this adaptation: Jessica Seabolt ’25 created the costumes, and Luisa Monteiro-Oliveira ’25 performed the role of Jane. It was directed by Professor Camille Hallstrom.
The book “Jane Eyre” is about a woman, Jane, an orphan taken in by her extended family who hate her and send her away to school. She endures further discrimination at the school before completing her education and getting a governess position at a faraway estate. There, she meets Mr. Rochester (played by Jonathon Austin ’18) and begins to fall in love with him. However, he is haunted by something from his past that comes to light just as the story seems to be resolved. “Jane Eyre” is a gothic story exploring themes of class, women in society and religion.
Klumpenhower adapted this novel for the stage and chose to focus on Jane’s relationship with God throughout the play. The unexpected use of music and of several “spirits” show the presence of both God and Satan in the story. She highlights the theme of God’s faithfulness and forgiveness. The love between Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester provides a lighter aspect of the story. Similarly, the character St. John (played by Mark Davis ’19) is simply hilarious in his love for Rosamond Oliver (played by Kate Martin ’26).
A recurring theme highlighting God’s faithfulness, a song titled “Poor Orphan Child,” is sung throughout the play. It is first sung at the beginning of the story when Jane is but a child. It reappears throughout the plot, and eventually ends with Jane and Mr. Rochester singing it together, signaling Mr. Rochester’s acceptance of God’s forgiveness and faithfulness. The song was arranged by Tallis Finch ’26, with the melody written by Monteiro-Oliveira.
The spirits that follow Jane throughout the play seem to represent God’s physical action within the story, protecting and guiding Jane throughout her life. Hooded figures seem to represent Satan and the demonic. They were often present in scenes where Jane and Mr. Rochester debate truths about God. These new characters make the audience feel the darkness of Mr. Rochester’s past but also the light that Jane brings him in a palpable, physical way.
The audience walked away with the powerful impact of the story of a woman who was unwanted all her life by family and authority figures but found peace in her relationship with God echoing within their own hearts and minds. The cast and crew should be applauded for the hard work and creativity that it took to put on this masterful adaptation of “Jane Eyre.”