“Drowning Ophelia” by Rachel Luann Strayer and directed by Carly McMinn will be performed this weekend, Sept. 27 – 29, and Oct. 3 – 6 at the Pocket Playhouse in Shoup Hall on the University of Idaho campus.
The play follows Jane, a young adult woman, who finds the character Ophelia from Shakespeare’s famous play “Hamlet” in her bathtub.
She must solve the mystery of why she is there while also navigating relationships and coming to terms with childhood traumas.
This performance is considered a dark comedy, but it does contain themes of rape and sexual abuse, there is also staged abuse shown during the performance.
If students find themselves affected by these themes there will be an advocate from The Women’s Center and the Counseling and Testing Center available for any sort of support needed during the performance.
When asked what vision the director has for this performance Carly McMinn said she is looking to tell Janes story.
“Hopefully it sparks a conversation about how we deal with victims of abuse, especially as a community,” McMinn said.
McMinn graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and began working professionally in Atlanta, Georgia as a Stage Manager and Director.
She decided to move to UI to pursue a masters degree and expand her knowledge as a director.
“Directing is hard to master in one fell swoop so I’m really happy to be here to learn more,” McMinn said.
One hurdle McMinn has had to deal with is the placement of the bathtub Ophelia appears in and the choreography revolving around it due to the small stage
The Pocket Play House has limited seating. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by contacting the Department of Theatre Arts at (208) 885-6465. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
The cost is free for UI students, $17 for adults, $6 for high school students and $12 for UI employees, military and seniors.
Many hours and days have been dedicated to practice and preparing for this performance and the cast and crew hopes to make the audience laugh and leave them with a message that will stick long after the performance.
Grayson Houston can be reached at [email protected]