2022-2023 Season, Texas Lutheran University, Seguin
FAHRENHEIT 451
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In a dystopian future, books have been made illegal. The law is enforced by elite firefighters like Guy Montag. In this world, however, the mission is not to extinguish flames but rather to ignite them. For ten years, Montag has hunted civilians in possession of books, torching the illicit collections to 451 degrees Fahrenheit (the temperature at which paper ignites). Something changes when he meets 16-year-old Clarisse, a fierce spirit with independent ideas. He begins to question the very systems of conformity and control that he has helped enforce, leading him towards a dangerous and combustible conclusion. With themes that recall past oppressions and warn of present trends, this classic by Ray Bradbury exposes the threat to intellectual and individual freedom that comes from censorship and autocratic subjugation.
WOMAN ON FIRE
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Set in 2002 under the specter of the 9/11 terror attacks, WOMAN ON FIRE is a re-imagining of Sophocles' ANTIGONE set along the Arizona/Mexico border. The ghost of a woman who died while crossing the border haunts the unwilling heroine Juanita, the wife of a U.S. Border Patrolman. Juanita finds herself torn between the law of man and a higher law. She must decide whether or not to put her husband's career and their marriage at risk in order to give the restless spirit the proper burial it demands. Written by award-winning playwright Marisela Treviño Orta, native of Lockhart, Texas, WOMAN ON FIRE resonates with themes that are timely and relevant.
LOVE/SICK
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John Cariani has made a name for himself by penning poignant stories about the ecstasies and heartbreaks of love—material that is perfectly suited for the weeks that follow Valentine’s Day. His play ALMOST, MAINE has become a staple of university, high school, and community theatre—thanks in part to the rich and relatable characters and relationships within. It was also an audience favorite, when produced at TLU in 2010. This piece, a somewhat darker cousin to ALMOST, MAINE, is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 90-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, LOVE/SICK is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone. Come enjoy what BroadwayWorld.com calls “Entertaining and fun. A satisfyingly dark look at this thing we call love.”
Viewer discretion advised: may contain mature subject matter and language.
THE MISS FIRECRACKER CONTEST
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As the Fourth of July approaches in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Carnelle Scott (known locally as “Miss Hot Tamale") is rehearsing furiously for the annual Miss Firecracker Contest. She hopes that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation and allow her to leave town in a blaze of glory. Those goals are complicated with the unexpected arrival of her pretty cousin Elain, a former Miss Firecracker winner. Elain has her own struggles, having walked out on her rich but boring husband and two small children. Things become even more complicated with the appearance of Elain’s eccentric brother, Delmount—recently released from a mental institution and eager to sell the family homestead. With the help of an endearingly awkward seamstress named Popeye and several other colorful characters, Carnelle strives to persevere. As the pageant arrives, Carnelle’s quest reveals a broader pursuit of happiness and freedom for all characters, through Beth Henley’s trademark hilarity, compassion, and moving lyricism. Join the students of TheatreXpress as they produce what the NY Times called an “explosively funny play” and what The Hollywood Reporter reviewed as “a comic volcano of a play, populated by offbeat, but vital, larger-than-life characters…”
Viewer discretion advised: contains mature subject matter and language.
XPRESSFEST.23
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The 23d annual XpressFest showcases student plays, movies, and class projects. Join the student artists of TheatreXpress for this culmination of their annual work, including senior capstone projects.
Viewer discretion advised: may contain mature subject matter and language.