Two one-act plays will take stage at the Dudley Experimental Theater starting Thursday. Both plays hope to make a difference on everyday issues.
Written by the 10th century German nun Hrotsvit of Gandersheim, the acts feature women in difficult situations.
The first play focuses on a story of sexual abuse where Drusiana is raped by a man after she rejects him. The second play is centered on a mother with three daughters, whom she gives away to make things better for herself.
Director Jenna Soleo-Shanks chose these plays partly because it shows women rising above terrible obstacles, but also because the acts, which were written 1,000 years ago, can still be relevant today.
“On the one hand, people think it’s mean to show women as victims, but on the other hand, all the women triumph,” she said.
With topics like sexual abuse being part of the first act, Soleo-Shanks and the cast have been approaching the topic delicately and keeping it a sensitive topic.
Soleo-Shanks talked about how when sexual abuse happens, it’s easiest to victim-blame, but that’s not what she wants the act to do.
“It’s too easy to point the finger,” Soleo-Shanks said.
The second act focuses more on how we raise girls in our society, making sure not to mold them into someone they’re not.
“One of the potentially most dangerous things we can do as women is teach our daughters things that limit them,” Soleo-Shanks said.
With serious topic matter, Soleo-Shanks hopes that the plays can get a rise out of the audience to help generate talk that could promote change.
“My goal as a director is to raise discussion,” Soleo-Shanks said.
Erik Meixelsperger, a junior acting major, plays Callimachus, the man who abuses Drusiana.
Meixelsperger said people are used to stories where the woman falls in love with a man and there is a prince charming. This story isn’t like that.
“Stories like these are a community effort. It’s working towards fixing a problem together,” Meixelsperger said.
Theater, to Soleo-Shanks, can be part of the solution.
“Theater can be very powerful,” Soleo-Shanks said.
Since the acts will be performed in the Dudley Experimental Theater, theatergoers can expect a more personal experience, as they will be closer to the actors on stage.
UMD has had lighter productions in the past where children could watch the productions, but these particular plays are not meant for young audiences.
Soleo-Shanks doesn’t know how the audience will necessarily receive the acts, but that might be a good thing.
“The audience may leave thinking, “I’m angry,” but that’s how change happens,” Soleo-Shanks said.
BY TAYLOR JENSEN
Ats & Entertainment Reporter