The Department of Theatre and Dance will be hosting “The Complete History of Theatre (abridged)” and “Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner” on Monday Oct. 28 and Tuesday Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the lab theatre of Gordon Wilson Hall.
Tessa Killen, a senior in the BFA Theatre Program with a concentration in stage management, will be directing “The Complete History of Theatre (abridged),” a comedic play by Matt Thompson.
The main characters William Shakespeare, Sarah Bernhardt and Konstantin Stanislavsky lead the audience on a “wild and wacky” journey through the history of theatre all over the world, according to the WKU Department of Theatre and Dance.
Killen said that through bickering and physical comedy, the trio takes the audience through the roots of theatre in Ancient Greece to Neil Simon. Killen said she chose to direct this play because she wanted a challenge for her debut as a director.
“I’ve been really enjoying the process because my actors are amazing,” Killen said. “Every rehearsal they come in with new bits and ideas to play with. I laugh at almost every rehearsal.”
When asked what audience members should expect in this play, Killen said to expect to laugh and interact with the actors.
“There are so many instances where the cast talks directly to you, especially in the beginning,” Killen said. “I recommend getting to the theatre as soon as the doors open because my actors will be causing mischief and mayhem. One lucky audience member will be pulled to the stage, if they choose to accept, and be a reigning queen for a brief moment.”
Aubrey Pinato, a sophomore in the BFA Theatre Program and an acting major, is an ensemble member in “The Complete History of Theatre (abridged)” play.
Pinato said people should expect chaos and a little bit of fourth wall breaking in the play.
“They should expect a fun time because even though it does specifically deal with the history of theatre with a lot of references people might not get, we’re trying to make sure it’s enjoyable for everyone,” Pinato said. “It’s still a fun show to see, even if you’re not super well-versed in theatre.”
Kaylee Wilkerson, senior in the BFA Theatre Program and acting major, will be directing “Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner,” a “super queer time travel adventure,” according to the Department of Theatre and Dance. The stakes are “life or extinction” in this love story.
Wilkerson said that “Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner” is a mix between “Back to the Future” and “Jurassic Park” with themes surrounding time travel and dinosaurs. She also said that she chose to direct this play because it tells a story of queer characters in a science fiction genre.
Wilkerson said she believes that audience members seeing the show will resonate with the “found family” theme, a narrative device in stories where individuals who are not biologically related form a deep familial bond through shared experiences.
“I think strong themes of found family certainly would resonate with audiences,” Wilkerson said. “It’s a weird story, but it’s also just really heartfelt, I think, because the characters are so personable.”
Each show runs about an hour in length and is separated by a 10-minute intermission. Tickets are $8 each and include both shows.
These plays are recommended for ages 16 and above.
News Reporter Abigail Vickers can be contacted at [email protected]