Special to 1808Delaware
In the long-ago time of 1995 in the faraway land of Athens, Ohio, Agnes Evans sets out on an adventure to reclaim a lost soul and learn more about her deceased sister in the process.
Ohio Wesleyan University’s Department of Performing Arts will present four performances of “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen at 8 p.m. Feb. 17, 18, and19, and at 2 p.m. Feb. 20. The production is directed by faculty member Bradford Sadler, OWU Class of 2005.
“This script uses fantasy elements to speak to very real issues that all of us encounter in our lives,” said Sadler, also a professional director and performer. “Those issues include a feeling of not fitting in while we grow, estrangement from family members, and the loss of loved ones.
“Audience members who see this production will encounter these issues and feelings,” he said, “while also seeing magical faeries, dark elves, demons, shape-shifting gelatinous cubes, swordfights, and dragons.”
“She Kills Monsters” was written by Vietnamese-American playwright Nguyen, whose work often includes puppetry, pop culture, and stage combat. He has written numerous plays, and also for television and film. Nguyen currently is a screenwriter for Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Thirteen Ohio Wesleyan students are performing in “She Kills Monsters.” The students, their hometowns, and their roles are:
- Isabelle Tinti-Kane of Marblehead, Massachusetts, as Agnes Evans.
- Maja Todorovic of Chicago, Illinois, as Tilly Evans.
- Ernest Chando of New York, New York, as Chuck Biggs.
- Jude Campbell of Blissfield, Michigan, as Miles.
- Chloe Williams of Wilmington, Ohio, as Lilith Morningstar/Lily.
- Dyna Bresson of Columbus, Ohio, as Kaliope Morningstar/Kelly.
- Daniel Smith of Columbus, Ohio, as Orcus/Ronnie.
- Addie Wills of Danville, Ohio, as Vera.
- Ali Dix of Marion, Ohio, as Farrah the Faerie/various monsters.
- Anne Raspe of Chicago, as Evil Gabbi/various monsters.
- Ellie Bearss of Franklin, Tennessee, as Evil Tina/various monsters.
- Evan Van Deusen of Chattanooga, Tennessee, as Steve/various monsters.
- Kayla Rush of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as narrator/student/various monsters.
Six OWU students are taking on production jobs in “She Kills Monsters.” These students, their hometowns, and their responsibilities are:
- Alex Dolph of Middletown, Ohio, stage manager.
- Catie Hyatt of Lodi, Ohio, assistant stage manager.
- Heather Shoffner of Marion, Ohio, assistant stage manager.
- Sam Miller of Oakwood, Ohio, master electrician.
- Olivia Anderson of Toledo, Ohio, special effects designer.
- Aaron Eicher of West Salem, Ohio, sound designer.
“She Kills Monsters” will be performed on the Main Stage of Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Guests will need to wear facial coverings throughout the event and follow other public health guidelines. Ticket sales will be limited to support physical distancing.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens and non-OWU students, and free for OWU students with a valid OWU ID. To purchase tickets, visit owu.edu/SheKillsMonsters. For questions, contact the OWU box office at (740) 368-3855.
For more information about the play, OWU’s 2021-2022 performance schedule, or studying theatre and dance at Ohio Wesleyan, visit owu.edu/PerformingArts.
