Dayton Playhouse | Photo by Qusai Takuri | The Wright State Guardian
The Wright State University (WSU) Theatre Department is in its fourty-fifth production season in the 2021-22 school year. The collective department is bouncing back from the effects of the pandemic and is returning to its stages with plans in place to ensure the safety of its fans from COVID.
Current Season
For the spring 2022 semester, the theatre department is performing three upcoming shows: “Sweat,” “Gondoliers” and “Sweet Charity.” The current show “Sweat” runs Thursday, Feb. 10, through Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center (CAC).
“Sweat” is a prize-winning contemporary drama written by Lynn Nottage that takes place in both 2000 and 2008 in industrial Redding, Pennsylvania.
“‘Sweat’ talks about people who don’t often get a voice. Those are the ones who tend to be affected most by the world around them. Often the choices we make are for survival, not because we want them. But, it’s because we feel they are our only choice. The truth of the matter is until you’ve had everything you know taken away, you don’t know what choice you would make. And that’s what they’re going through in this play,” visiting guest director Shaun Patrick Tubbs said in the show’s press release.
Lead Actress Zavi Odetta said that “Sweat” is a story that needs to be told.
“It's been an honor to be a part of this show. “Sweat” is a story about real working-class people facing real problems that are still happening today. I am grateful that myself and this talented cast get to share the journey of these nine individuals,” Odetta said.
Covid-19
To any students who wish to view a performance at the CAC but are concerned with the COVID precautions, artistic director of the Department of Theater Dance and Motion pictures Joe Deer reassures that the CAC follows all pandemic guidelines enforced by WSU.
“Everyone wears masks. Wright State mandates all masks all the time so we're safe. Ultimately, if somebody is uncertain about coming, they can come and take a seat that's at a distance, as we are not filling the space to capacity. Otherwise, if you feel unsafe about it, you have to follow what your personal tolerance is,” Deer said.
