Henderson State University Theatre will present five performances of I am Emily Doe at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 3, 5, 6, and 7, and at 4 p.m. on October 4. All performances are in Arkansas Hall Studio Theatre. A reception will follow the opening night performance.
I am Emily Doe is an original script written by Magee-Lee Preston, a junior theatre major from The Colony, Texas. It began as a project in Preston’s fall 2016 playwriting class and has continued development through a public reading and a workshop production last spring. The production will be Henderson’s entry in this year’s Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
A chilling, dramatic retelling of the events in the Brock Turner rape case, I am Emily Doe follows the courageous victim, Emily Doe, in her journey to recovery. The play explores the societal pressures that inhabit college campuses around the country and the rape culture that is webbed throughout our society.
The cast of the Henderson production includes Reagan Hammonds of Benton, LaDarius Jamerson of Fort Smith, Joseph Kalinowski of Searcy, Dakota Mansfield of Benton, Madi Moore of Newport Beach, California, Savannah Reynolds of Monticello, and Jacey Russell of Morrilton.
The play is under the direction of Claudia Beach, director of theatre at Henderson, with scenic design by Doug Gilpin, professor of theatre. Lighting design is by Jennings Johnson of Heber Springs, and costume design by Tyler Felton of Batesville. The stage manager is Nicholas Bius of Benton.
The HSU Theatre Box Office in Arkansas Hall will be open for advance ticket sales from 1-4 p.m. beginning Monday, Sept. 25. All seats are reserved. Admission is $10, or free with an HSU student ID, courtesy of the Student Activities Board.
The play is recommended for mature audiences.
For more information or reservations, call 870-230-5291, or e-mail theatre@hsu.edu.