Stonewall was a turning point in the marginalization and invisibility of LGBTQIA+ people. I was in college then, and didn’t even notice/remember Stonewall…which speaks to that “invisibility”, but I do remember an all-male production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf around that time, which was a very big, controversial deal (I don’t think publishers allow it to be performed that way these days.) It was a disruptive time with Vietnam and all… and this production evoked the era with costumes (Kasee Arnett) and versatile realistic set (Thalia Pearce) with dramatic lighting (Shannon Schwietzer).
This is a somewhat confusing script, seen through the “I was there” experiences of 10 unlikely revolutionaries. Be sure to read the helpful Dramaturg’s Note in the program by Leo Walls-Poucel and the 24 Hours of Change synopsis by Dan Smith.
Liz Gray’s director’s note explains the process and experience of the actors, which are also explored in video testimonies in the lobby (a little hard to hear with the lobby noise, but interesting.) Creating this production with its sexual content, simulated sexual violence, simulated violence, and adult language was a profound experience for all involved. The intimacy and fight direction by Rocio Mendez and Alexis Black helped the actors feel safe portraying UNsafe situations.
Director Liz Gray says, “The cold realities of injustice serve as a catalyst for change. With Hit the Wall, the Department of Theatre made a commitment to implementing anti-oppressive practices throughout all aspects of production, challenging learned assumptions, and amplification of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices. This production is an opportunity to support our department in navigating critical dialogue with respect to belonging, inclusivity, and representation and to discover what it means to be an ally, advocate, and activist on and off stage.”
This is a multi-faceted representative of MSU’s “Gender” season, with not only the lobby videos, but a lobby poster you can add a piece to, and a drawing for a door prize from local LGBTQ+ and BIPOC friendly businesses including the Salus Center, Strange Matter Coffee, Roots Hair Lounge, and Wild Fern Wellness among others.
This is not a musical, per se, but features Otho Roi, a local Lansing band (Teri Brown (vocals/bass/synth/guitar), Tom Larter (bass/guitar), Ryan Bilton (percussion), and Casey Bye (guitar-synth) which added mood and music. I wanted to hear more of them.
The Arena Theatre is downstairs in the Auditorium Building; box office is on the Farm Lane end of the building.
Performances continue
Sunday, March 20, 2022, at 2 p.m. (MSU Center for Survivors Matinee)
Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 25, 2022, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 2 p.m.
$23.50 for general admission, $21.50 for MSU faculty and staff and seniors, and $13.50 for students. Tickets at http://whartoncenter.com at the Wharton Center box office, or by calling 1-800-WHARTON.