LU Department of Theatre and Dance presents SPLIT
March 31, 2022 | by JT Robertson
The LU Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to announce the second production of the semester, "SPLIT," written by Texas native Allison Moore and directed by Instructor of Theatre Alan Brincks.
"SPLIT" is an energetic 70-minute play that weaves the story of an elite runner, his handy sister, her skater friend, an optimistic single mother who knows her daughter is destined for greatness on the track as well as the two coaches with varying interests in each of them. This ensemble-driven play with stylized movement sequences mirrors the relay race we each face in our daily lives as we seek to outrun time.
“It is a joy to work with the team involved on this production of "SPLIT." In a ‘devised’ process, the actors are called on to be more of a creative entity than what they may be used to, which can be very taxing and even frustrating. When building things from scratch not everything will make its way to the final product, so there are many changes. This cast, however, is bringing their 'A game' every day to rehearsal, and the designers are all putting their best foot forward as well. I’m eager for audiences to experience this whirlwind of creativity from these student actors and designers!” Director Alan Brincks said.
A native Texan, Allison Moore was originally commissioned to write this play by the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in 2006 under the tenure of Joe Dowling as the Artistic Director. While the comedic/dramatic script gives the actors plenty to work with, Moore also includes sections of the script that call for movement, but the kind of movement is open to interpretation. This enables the cast to collaborate and create or ‘devise’ their own physical vocabulary for these sections, a style of theatre more often seen in downtown New York City than Beaumont, Texas.
When discussing the experience, graduating LU senior Ginger Mouton said “This is my first experience with a devised piece of theater. Creating movement as we go deeper into the rehearsal process is more challenging than I expected, but I have loved being able to be involved every step of the way. The technical designs for this show are going to be a great spectacle, and I am very excited to see it all come together. I think this show is great for everyone - even if you’re not accustomed to theater.”
"SPLIT" performances are April 7-10 in the Lamar University Studio Theatre. All performances will be held in the Studio Theatre, between the Dishman Art Museum and the Jimmy Simmons Music building on the campus of Lamar University.
Tickets range in price from $7-$15 and are available through lamar.edu/lutdtix.
"SPLIT" is an energetic 70-minute play that weaves the story of an elite runner, his handy sister, her skater friend, an optimistic single mother who knows her daughter is destined for greatness on the track as well as the two coaches with varying interests in each of them. This ensemble-driven play with stylized movement sequences mirrors the relay race we each face in our daily lives as we seek to outrun time.
“It is a joy to work with the team involved on this production of "SPLIT." In a ‘devised’ process, the actors are called on to be more of a creative entity than what they may be used to, which can be very taxing and even frustrating. When building things from scratch not everything will make its way to the final product, so there are many changes. This cast, however, is bringing their 'A game' every day to rehearsal, and the designers are all putting their best foot forward as well. I’m eager for audiences to experience this whirlwind of creativity from these student actors and designers!” Director Alan Brincks said.
A native Texan, Allison Moore was originally commissioned to write this play by the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in 2006 under the tenure of Joe Dowling as the Artistic Director. While the comedic/dramatic script gives the actors plenty to work with, Moore also includes sections of the script that call for movement, but the kind of movement is open to interpretation. This enables the cast to collaborate and create or ‘devise’ their own physical vocabulary for these sections, a style of theatre more often seen in downtown New York City than Beaumont, Texas.
When discussing the experience, graduating LU senior Ginger Mouton said “This is my first experience with a devised piece of theater. Creating movement as we go deeper into the rehearsal process is more challenging than I expected, but I have loved being able to be involved every step of the way. The technical designs for this show are going to be a great spectacle, and I am very excited to see it all come together. I think this show is great for everyone - even if you’re not accustomed to theater.”
"SPLIT" performances are April 7-10 in the Lamar University Studio Theatre. All performances will be held in the Studio Theatre, between the Dishman Art Museum and the Jimmy Simmons Music building on the campus of Lamar University.
Tickets range in price from $7-$15 and are available through lamar.edu/lutdtix.