Grace Viveiros Makes a Splash in 'Arcadia'

Seventeen year-old Grace Viveiros is making her professional stage debut in
the Gamm Theatre's production of playwright Tom Stoppard's "Arcadia."

In a stately home in the British countryside, poets, tutors, historians and lovers roam the halls some 200 years apart, trying to solve their particular mystery.

Viveiros plays impetuous 13-year old Thomasina, who is studying chaos theory with her tutor, Septimus (Jeff Church) in the early 19th century.

Meanwhile, in the late 20th century, scholars Hannah (Jeanine Kane) and Bernard (Tony Estrella) are piecing together history from the puzzling documents that remain.

Thomasina is the "genius in the story," Viveiros told EDGE. "People in the modern day are figuring out her discovery."

"She is the innocence of the play," Viveiros noted.

Viveiros was encouraged to audition for "Arcadia" by her mentors at Trinity Repertory Company.

"I researched (the play) and fell in love with it," Viveiros said. "It's a hard show to do because Stoppard is so witty and you can't go into the show and immediately get all the jokes. I'm still baffled at some of the double meanings of words. The show appeals to me because it's kind of two shows in one."

"Arcadia" takes place in two time periods, a concept which fascinated Viveiros because of what she calls the juxtaposition of the characters' viewpoints and their lives.

Viveiros grew up in the town of Smithfield, a few minutes outside of Providence.

She began acting at the age of 12 when she landed a role in Trinity Rep.'s annual production of "A Christmas Carol."

In addition, Viveiros has taken acting classes at Trinity Rep. and performed in some of their Shakespeare productions featuring other high school actors.

"I loved being on stage," Viveiros said. "I love the whole culture (around performing), especially in Rhode Island. It's such a supportive community since it's so small. I was nurtured by these amazing artists (at Trinity Rep.)."

"Arcadia" is being directed by a Trinity Rep. veteran, Fred Sullivan, Jr.

"(Fred is) a character himself, in a good way," Viveiros said. "He really brings energy, which is extremely necessary for a show like this.
It's insightful to see him work and see how his mind works."

Viveiros is enjoying the opportunity to share a stage with such an esteemed group of performers.

"I'm very excited," Viveiros said. "It's amazing to work with people who I've admired for so long."

"Arcadia" runs through October 16 at The Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket, RI. Tickets are $44 and $52; preview performances (September 15-18) are $33. Call 401-723-4266 or order online at gammtheatre.org.