Stetson University Theatre Arts begins its 115^th season with a free, three-part online series, entitled “The Past is Prologue: A Virtual Theatrical Event.” Each production, directed by Julia Schmitt, PhD, chair, Creative Arts Department, will have its own theme, including confronting the classics on race, gender and identity, and can be viewed virtually on Thursday, Oct. 8, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22.

The productions will include monologues by playwright William Shakespeare, and will be performed alongside original theatrical pieces written by Stetson Theatre Arts students who are exposing and dismantling the pervasive effects of privilege that has resulted in systemic oppression, which is still prevalent today.

Embodying the famous adage, “the show must go on,” Schmitt envisioned an online event with an ensemble cast that will be creating a production with multiple moments.

“The restrictions of COVID-19 and our commitment to safety means that this project will be produced, rehearsed and performed virtually,” said Schmitt, associate professor of theatre arts. “The virtual production showcases our commitment to social justice and responds to the racial and gender reckoning that is taking place today, and is long overdue.”

The audience will have an opportunity to participate in a livestreamed discussion with the cast and crew via Zoom following each virtual performance at 8 p.m. The Zoom link will be available on the Stetson Theatre Arts’ website.

Schedule and themes:

• Thursday, Oct. 8: Confronting the classics on race.

• Thursday, Oct. 15: Confronting the classics on gender.

• Thursday, Oct. 22: Confronting the classics on identity.

Ensemble cast:
Noah Belachew
Delicia Bent
Dominique Brown
Aliya Cruise
Lexi Falance
Julexis Gonzalez
Steven Kalicharan
Anieceia Knight-Thompson
Kiara Santiago

-Sandra Carr