November 1, 2019
Contact: Jason Hogue, Director of Marketing Communications, 402-872-2429
Peru, Nebraska - The Peru Theatre Company began its 2019-2020 season "Bodies & Souls" with a pair of student directed shows known collectively as "Two 2-Handers: A Staged Reading Series." The shows were directed by Amelia Roth and Kaity Baker, and concluded their four night run on Sunday, Oct. 20.
Amelia Roth is a senior liberal arts major (English and Music concentrations) and theatre minor from Crete Nebraska, she directed "I and You" by Lauren Gunderson.
Roth described the story of the play as "captivating, heartbreaking, and hopeful."
She adds, "I'm very happy to be directing a play written by and featuring a strong, empowered, real woman! The playwright, Lauren Gunderson, describes her work in theatre as a form of benediction: 'This is what I want theatre to do. Be a blessing, be a sacred ceremony, be a benefit and a mercy. I want theatre to affect, encourage, challenge, and strengthen you.'"
"I wholeheartedly agree with Gunderson, and hope that I can establish these moments for the audience. I also hope to continue working in theatre after I graduate."
Kaity Baker directed "Gruesome Playground Injuries" by Rajiv Joseph. She is a senior majoring in psychology and drug and alcohol counseling with a minor in theatre. She is from Weeping Water, Nebraska.
Baker said, "Gruesome Playground Injuries is an endearing story about two people that have been friends from age eight to 38 and each time they meet someone has experienced an injury."
"Having the opportunity to see the script realized on stage has been the highlight of my semester," Baker continues. "This play explores love and pain in a unique way, by taking the characters through trials and tribulations over the course of 30 years and asking the question, 'How far are you willing to go for the people you care about?' Working on this show has been hard work for everyone involved and I am very proud of the product we are putting on stage."
Amelia Roth and Kaity Baker will both graduate from Peru State College in December.
To learn more about the Peru State Theatre Company and their upcoming shows, contact Professor Laura Lippman at Llippman@peru.edu
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This release was contributed to by Quentin Victor