Every year Washington College’s senior drama majors are given a chance to direct, perform, write, design, dramaturg or stage-manage a play of their choice for their Senior Capstone Experience. For the student, it is a chance to bring together all that they have learned in their area of focus during their time at the College. For theater lovers in the region, these senior thesis productions bring opportunities to experience a variety of plays by famous playwrights and emerging talents alike.
This fall, five graduating drama majors will direct plays, and the range of work has Drama Department chair Michele Volansky excited. “The plays reflect the diverse thematic interests of our students,” she says. “Not only does the line-up include a brand new play (Lucky Ladies), and reworkings of classic Shakespeare (Beauteous Majesty) and classic Greek (Bacchae 2.1), but it also offers a contemporary play by one of America’s best new writers, Will Eno, and a provocative work from famed Japanese writer Kobo Abe. This will be a fall to remember.”
All Senior Capstone productions are free and open to the public, but reservations are suggested. Unless otherwise specified otherwise, shows begin at 7:30 p.m., and latecomers will not be seated once the show has begun. To reserve tickets, email [email protected] or call 410-778-7800 ext. 7835. For more information: www.washcoll.edu/departments/drama.
Bust of Euripedes, original author of The Bacchae, circa 330 BC.
The Bacchae 2.1
From Euripides and Charles L. Mee
A Senior Directing Thesis from Patrick Derrickson
October 17-18, Outdoors by Eugene B. Casey Swim Center
Performances will take place at Midnight on Oct. 17 and 18, with an additional performance at noon on the 18th.
This updated version of The Bacchae by Euripides is a steamy, visceral spectacle respite with drag queens, drag kings, oiled bodies and men discussing domination. The play’s climax involves a mother and son, and – spoiler alert – one dies. Do NOT bring the children!
Middletown
By Will Eno
A Senior Directing Thesis from Rachel Dilliplane
October 24-25, Tawes Theater, Gibson Center for the Arts
Award winning playwright Will Eno welcomes you to Middletown. This wry, contemplative comedy follows the newly wed, newly pregnant, and newly arrived Mrs. Swanson as she navigates a town of contradictory caricatures desperately searching for their purpose in life. Come join the discussion, celebration, and question of Life.
The Lucky Ladies (someday you will be loved)
By Dominic Finocchiaro
A Senior Directing Thesis from Matt Ridge
November 7-8, Tawes Theater, Gibson Center for the Arts
When the crew of a hit reality dating show neglects to show up one day, the four women contestants are left wondering where everybody went and, more importantly, if they’re still being watched. Combining the fun and charm of a comedy with all the elements of a gory horror story, The Lucky Ladies (someday you will be loved) is a new play that tells the story of four women who will do anything to make sure they are seen by the world, by a lover, and by God.
The Man Who Turned Into a Stick
By Kōbō Abe
A Senior Directing Thesis from Tamayo Kamimura
November 14-15, Tawes Theater, Gibson Center for the Arts
Japanese writer Kobo Abe’s trio of short plays presented under one title examines the tensions between our lives and our stuff, and what happens when the two collide as we try to live our lives to the fullest. Philosophy, whimsy and despair all play a role in helping the characters, and the audience, figure it all out.
The Beauteous Majesty of Denmark
By Val Dunn from William Shakespeare
A Senior Directing Thesis from Val Dunn
November 21-22, Tawes Theater, Gibson Center for the Arts
This wild and irreverent adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet manipulates the Bard’s language and mixes the Elizabethan with the contemporary to reveal the prevalence of misogyny in today’s society. As Ophelia struggles to escape her lover’s aggression and her father’s condescension, her society demands that she remain submissive. Rather than succumb to favor and to prettiness, however, Ophelia gains agency by embarking into what others consider to be madness – a landscape of dead flowers, folk songs, Barbie Dolls, and uncomfortable tampons. Is she, indeed, mad? Or simply a woman who dares to speak her mind?
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