The first theater performance of the fall season will be the Stage II production of Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein.
Showtimes will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 4-6 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Black Box Theater in Wanda L. Bass Music Center.
Harrison Langford, acting senior, is directing the show.
“This show is about the identity of women and how they are paving their way through a testosterone-dominated society,” Langford said. “It’s also about friendship, the stresses of college and honesty among friends.”
Langford said he chose the show due to the number of female roles and because it gives women more opportunities in the School of Theater.
“It was my belief that the spark from the last few years shouldn’t die, and that mostly or all-female casts should still hold a place among School of Theater productions,” he said.
Langford’s choice of the play also was influenced by his previous experience with the author’s work, he said.
“I came across it after falling in love with Wendy Wasserstein’s work last year as I was searching many plays for monologues,” Langford said. “Uncommon Women came up as a recommended read on my iPad, and I read it in hopes that I could submit it for Stage II.”
One of Langford’s biggest challenges is being a male directing a feminist play, he said.
“I’ve had to overcome criticism, harsh words and rumor spreading,” Langford said. “While these mental obstacles were hard to overcome, I kept my goals in sight—to have fun, to better theater at OCU and to grow as an artist.”
Courtney DiBello, assistant professor of stage management and co-coordinator of Stage II, said she was intrigued that the play was being offered by and to be directed by a male.
“I think we were very intrigued by the fact that a male director offered and was excited about directing a feminist play,” DiBello said. “I think with the #MeToo movement, it also felt very interesting and appropriate and of our time.”
Adelaide Ross, acting senior, portrays “Holly” in the play. She said she enjoys being in an all-female cast.
“This is actually the fourth show in a row I’ve worked on with an all-female cast, and I definitely prefer it,” Ross said. “The energy is high, and we all relate to each other so strongly.”
Ross said she also appreciates Langford’s attitude toward the cast.
“Harrison is also very respectful and open to our ideas and thoughts,” she said. “It’s a great space to be in.”
Tickets will be $5 and can be purchased in advance. All tickets will be available through the ticket office in the Ann Lacy School of Dance and Entertainment. There are only 66 seats for each performance.
Editor’s note: Harrison Langford is the community manager for Student Publications. He did not participate in the writing or editing of this story. Elina Moon is the photo editor for Student Publications and is involved in the production. She did not participate in the writing or editing of this story.
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