Marshall University’s School of Theatre & Dance is set to stage “When We Were Young and Unafraid,” a play by Sarah Treem, from October 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. and on October 5 at 2 p.m. The performances will take place in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.
The drama, set in the early 1970s, tells the story of an innkeeper who quietly shelters survivors of domestic violence. The arrival of a new woman disrupts the household, highlighting themes of courage and social change during this period.
Leah Turley, professor of Theatre Performance, is directing the production. The cast includes Eliza Aulick as Mary Anne, Harper Aulick as Agnes, Bailey Dore as Penny, George Kinley as Paul, and Hailey Deslich as Hannah.
Several students are contributing to the creative aspects of the show: Briar Conley is responsible for hair and make-up design; Landon Medford serves as properties designer; Thaddeus Stambaugh provides original sound design; Simone Coutasse is stage manager; and Sam McElwain acts as assistant director.
“This production signifies the beginning of Second Wave Feminism, which included women of color and issues of domestic violence and sexual assault,” Turley said. “Treem’s play gives valuable insight concerning the plight of womanhood, including issues that we’re still facing today. Like all good plays, When We Were Young & Unafraid offers no tangible or practical solutions to these issues but asks the audience to form their own thoughts and opinions about the predicament of its characters.”
The play carries an R rating due to strong language and depictions involving domestic violence and sexual situations.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 304-696-ARTS. Prices are $5 for students, $22 for general admission, and $15 for seniors and Marshall employees. Marshall students with ID can attend free on October 1.
Season tickets are also available for purchase. Other productions scheduled by Marshall’s School of Theatre & Dance this academic year include Steve Martin’s “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” in November, “Acts of Love: An Evening of Love Stories” in February, and Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” in April.
