ALVA, Okla. — The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Reichenberger Department of Fine Arts theatre program will present “The Insanity of Mary Girard” by Lanie Robertson on Friday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2 p.m., in the Fellers Family Auditorium in Herod Hall.
Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, this production is a dark, brooding historical drama based on a true story and recommended for mature audiences only.
The production is directed by Lilith Ferrero, a senior speech and theatre major from Cordell as her capstone project.
The production opens with Mary restrained in a tranquilizing chair as she is visited by ghost-like figures known as “furies.” These figments of her imagination taunt her while impersonating figures from her past, including her mother, husband and her husband’s mistress. Through shared dialogue that shifts between the furies at each punctuation mark, the play presents a unique theatrical structure while examining women’s rights, power and injustice in the 1790s.
Ferrero said she intentionally chose a darker production for her senior capstone to explore themes that are deeply personal to her.
“I knew very early into my search that I would be venturing from the typical comedy that we produce at Northwestern Theatre,” Ferrero said. “‘The Insanity of Mary Girard’ addresses several topics, with a primary focus on feminism and gender dynamics in marriage. Although the play was written in 1970 about events from 1790, the message is still relevant today.”
She acknowledged that the tone of the play is heavy, but said she believes its message is important.
“It is true that the play is very dark, but I believe it is also important,” Ferrero said. “I hope that the dark tones of this play will not dissuade the public from coming to view the production, but instead invite thoughtful discussion for all those who attend.”
Ferrero said the production also presented challenges in areas such as historical costuming, lighting and design, which required extensive research and application of her theatre education.
“I had to do a considerable amount of research before coming up with my costume designs,” she said. “As I got further into the process, I encountered complications in lighting and set design as well. All of my design choices were made after spending time researching and reflecting on what I’ve learned in the theatre department.”
She added that directing her peers was initially intimidating but ultimately rewarding.
“Being in charge of every aspect of the process has been very challenging, especially with time management and directing decisions made before casting,” Ferrero said. “Despite the struggles, I’ve found the experience very rewarding. I’m proud of the product I’m creating and grateful to my peers and professors for helping bring this show to life.
Lisa Turner, an American Studies graduate student from Alva, will serve as stage manager.
Cast members for this production and the names of their characters include: Emily Wright, Cheyenne junior majoring in mass communication, as Mary Girard; Aidan Slater, Laverne freshman majoring in early childhood education, as Stephen Girard; Jacob Saucedo, Glenpool freshman majoring in computer science, as The Warder; Jaden Matthews, Hennessey junior majoring in speech and theatre, as Mrs. Lum; Bella Anguino, Glenpool sophomore majoring in speech and theatre, as Polly Kenton; Matthew Skinner, Sand Springs junior majoring in speech and theatre, as Mr. Phillips; and Sophie Jungman, Alva sophomore majoring in English, as Mrs. Hatcher.
Other crew members include: Ashlein Richmond, a sophomore majoring in psychology from Enid, John Hillman, a junior majoring in computer science from Cheyenne, Charles Schafer, a freshman majoring in speech and theatre from Alva, and Kendra Puebla, a freshman majoring in psychology from Felt.
Understudies for the production include: Gabriel Bussinger, Woodward senior majoring in speech and theatre; Aspen Marshall, Tulsa junior majoring in speech and theatre; Jade Campbell, Woodward senior majoring in instrumental music education; Lily Post, Ponca City sophomore majoring in speech and theatre; and Justus Durham, Brighton, Colorado, freshman majoring in speech and theatre.
For more information on theatre performances and courses in the Reichenberger Department of Fine Arts at Northwestern, contact Kimberly Weast, professor of theatre arts, at kkweast@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8462, or visit their webpage at www.nwosu.edu/fine-arts.
—NW—
CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Corky Hall, University Relations Intern
cahall85@rangers.www.nwosu.edu | 580-327-8482