Theatre Fairfield students will perform a devised, original piece that investigates race and privilege, but also reflects America's 21st century struggle with race and social justice.
Theatre Fairfield, the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts’ Resident Theatre Company comprised of Fairfield University students, will present its devised, original piece Project X, both in-person and virtually, beginning on Thursday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. from the Wien Experimental Theatre at the Quick.
Project X is the 2021 entry in Theatre Fairfield's biennial Theatre in the Raw: The Lucille Lortel Festival of New Works, funded by a generous donation from Ms. Lortel.
The piece is directed by guest artist Godfrey Simmons, artistic director of HartBeat Ensemble, and the final script was crafted by Emmy Award-winning writer and actor Judy Tate. The producer and scenic designer is Lynne Porter, MFA, professor in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and Theatre Fairfield’s resident designer. Costume Design is by Julie Leavitt-Learson, MFA.
Project X is centered on life at Fairfield University, but reflective of America's 21st century struggle with race and social justice. The piece was devised — which is a process where a group of people, not a single playwright, create a theatre piece — and it was developed collaboratively with a core group of people who researched the central question of the piece. The production aims to provoke empathy, and promote frank and respectful dialogue around race and privilege.
The research included storytelling circles, surveys, and interviews. Following this semester-long story gathering process, the script was assembled, rehearsed, revised, and is now being performed. The creators of Project X cast a wide net and included students in all majors, theatre students, faculty and staff, and alumni in the research process.
The project is supported by Rachelle Brunn-Bevel, PhD, associate professor of sociology and anthropology and faculty chair for Inclusive Excellence. Alumna Shannon Kelley '19 is serving as assistant producer and stage manager.
There will be exactly 60 seats available for each performance and Covid protocols are in place. Additionally, each show will be broadcasted live via Theatre Fairfield's YouTube Channel. The play will never be pre-recorded. When patrons purchase livestream tickets, they will be sent a confirmation email from the Quick Center Box Office. Patrons will receive a second email on the day of the show with a link from the Quick Center Box Office so that they can tune in at the scheduled performance time.
Read more about Project X and purchase tickets at www.quickcenter.com.
Learn more about Theatre Fairfield, the production wing of Fairfield University’s Theatre Program in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences.
