Theatre department presents Lee Blessing’s ‘Independence’
MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State University theatre department will present the small town drama, “Independence,” by award-winning playwright, Lee Blessing.
The play revolves around Evelyn Briggs and her three daughters as they struggle to come to terms with their mother’s mental health.
“I think audiences will relate to this play on many levels because all families--people--go through struggles in their lives,” Schnaible said. “Life is not easy, and there will always be disappointments throughout life. It's how one deals with those struggles that will help them find their way to their own independence.”
The cast includes Katie Allers, Maddie Thompson, Brenna Heupel, and Annika Kraft. Angela Schnaible, who directed MSU’s 2016 production of “Dancing at Lughnasa,” directs.
“I love working with a small cast. All of the actors are great to work with, we have a lot of fun in rehearsal even though the show is not very comedic. It helps create a bond between the four of us which is nice because we are playing a family,” Kraft said.
“Independence,” received its premiere at the Humana Festival in Louisville, Ky. where it earned popular and critical acclaim.
“This play has some really important themes that, even though it was written in the 90s, definitely play a role in today's society,” Schnaible said. “For example, the family bond. When some people think of ‘family’, they think of happiness; but, that is not the case for everyone. For some, family is a place of disappointment, of regrets and frustrations. Family should mean love and togetherness, but for many, their families are broken and unrepairable.
Another example is that of being an independent woman. Three of the women in this play want to be independent, and one is forced to be independent. What does independence truly mean? Does it mean you have to separate from all you've known to be truly independent? Can one hold on to the past and still move forward with her life to be independent?”
The play runs Feb. 22-25 in the Blackbox Theater with a 7:30 p.m. start time Feb. 22-24, and 2 p.m. on Feb. 25.
Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for children 17 and under. MSU students, faculty and staff are admitted free with current MSU ID. For ticket reservations, call 701-858-3172 or visit www.eventbrite.com and search Minot. This production is intended for ages 13 and older.
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 02/16/18
