Date:
9/18/2009
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 575.562.2253
PORTALES—Eastern New Mexico University’s theatre department is showing "Reality Check," student one-act plays, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 23–26 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26 in the University Theatre Center, Studio Theater in Portales.
“Reality Check” includes two student-written, one-act plays. "Bridges" is written by Samantha Fields, and "1518 Holbrook Dr." is written by Amber Glasgow. Laura Holder is directing both. Holder, a recent ENMU graduate, has a master of arts in English and is currently teaching as temporary faculty in the languages and literature department.
The two senior theatre majors wrote the pieces as part of their senior recital and are being awarded a grade on the script, the writing and rewriting process, their attendance at all the rehearsals and revisions made based on how the actors treated the material and their discussions with Holder and faculty mentors.
According to Ms. Holder, the show has veteran actors and newcomers. Mike is played by Jeremy Gardels, senior digital cinema arts major. Lainee is played by Tasha Irvin, senior theatre major. Edmund is played by Will Bush, sophomore theatre major. Emily is played by Emily DeSoto, an undeclared freshman.
"Bridges" is about Mike and Lainee, a couple dealing with several stresses on their marriage, including economic hardships and infertility. During an argument, Mike and Lainee also explore their expectations of one another and how to cope with a loss of passion during hard times.
"1518 Holbrook Dr." is about a brother and sister, Edmund and Emily, whose parents died in a car crash two years ago. Edmund is 23 and has a job, while Emily is two weeks away from graduating from high school. Both siblings are trying to come to terms with the loss of their parents and how they are supposed to act together as the only two surviving family members, including how to let go of the past and move on with their lives.
A talkback session follows the Sunday, Sept. 26 performance in which audience members can ask questions of the director and playwrights concerning process, choices and the scripts.
Tickets are $4 each and can be purchased at the door or in advance.
For more information, call Shirlene Peters at 575.562.2711 or University Theatre Center box office at 575.562.2710.