The theatre department’s latest production offers an exploration of both the beautiful and dark moments in life with “A Taste of Honey.”

The play tells the story of Josephine, known as Jo, a young woman living in 1950s Britain who finds love and friendship as well as hatred and betrayal, said William Leonard, professor emeritus of theatre and director of the show.

“Lots of people live in a land of milk and honey, while some people who are less fortunate only get a taste of honey,” Leonard said.

Louisville senior Liz Floore, who plays Jo’s mother, said the play is about how expectations for dealing with people don’t always come true.

“It’s about relationships, really,” Floore said. “About how even relationships you expect to last forever, like mother-daughter relationships, those don’t even last.”

The play also deals with the social issues of the time, many of which are still being dealt with today, such as race, homosexuality and social class, said Will Meredith, a Bowling Green senior who plays Jo’s roommate.

The play is not all serious, Meredith said. It balances the harsh realities of Jo’s situation with a dark sense of humor and several happy and touching moments.

Tyrone Moore, a Nashville sophomore who plays Jo’s boyfriend, said the play primarily deals with the dangers of growing up too quickly.

“Enjoy your youth while you have it,” Moore said. “When you get a baby, get a job, that is when the responsibilities really kick in.”

Moore said he sees a lot of himself in his character, and people will enjoy the play because everyone can see themselves or someone they know in the play.

“A Taste of Honey” will run from Thursday through next Tuesday in the Gordon Wilson Lab Theatre. It will start at 8 p.m. every day except for Sunday, when it will start at 3 p.m.

Tickets cost $11 for adults and $9 for students.