Mature stage play set on Southern campus

A play that details a college relationship is coming to Troy University, and it might be something students relate to.

The Troy University Department of Theatre and Dance is producing “The Shape of Things” this year, a play with strong language and adult situations that are not suitable for children.

“Trying to take the language out of one of these plays is like taking tackling out of football,” said Quinton Cockrell, the director of the play, and a professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

This decision to keep the language in the play upheld the modern values of the production. It’s a comment on society according to Cockrell.

When searching for a play, Cockrell wanted one that served students. The characters in the play are the age of the actors portraying them.

Only four students are participating in this play, and they are Psacoya Guinn, Noah Williams, Halley Tiefert and Baine Ellis.

The play follows the story of Adam, an out of shape, insecure English major who meets an aspiring artist, Evelyn, and his relationship with her in college.

The college in the play is not unlike a small, Southern  college such as Troy University.

“Every character is a college student. So it’s just as relatable as it can be on the surface,” said Baine Ellis, the male lead, a sophomore theatre major from Harris County, Ga.

Psacoya Guinn is the female lead, Evelyn.

“This character is completely different from myself; she is a lot more open with her opinions, and her views on life are completely different from mine,” said Guinn, a senior theatre major from McCalla.

“The last thing I want to do is make a fellow actor uncomfortable on stage with me. Not only am I the female lead, but I am also the oldest out of the cast. Setting an example as a senior is definitely a responsibility in itself.”

“The Shape of Things” will be performed in Malone Hall 204, Oct. 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. It is $5 for students and $10 for general admission. Seating is limited to 60 people per night, which only allows for 240 audience members to see the production. Students are encouraged to secure their tickets early and attend and support the Troy Department of Theatre and Dance